Dosage LifeSciences

Dosage Lifesciences Logo

Mail Us

info@dosagelifesciences.in

Call Us

+919215226306

Top 10 PCD Pharma Companies in India 2026

If you are searching for reliable PCD Pharma companies in India, choosing a company only because its website says “No. 1” is probably not the best strategy. A better approach is to compare product quality and regulatory compliance. Also compare franchise terms and territory rights. Review marketing support and supply reliability. Consider the company’s ability to support your business long-term.

Based on these practical factors, our 2026 editorial list includes:

  1. Dosage Life Sciences
  2. Arlak Biotech
  3. Vibcare Pharma
  4. Swisschem Healthcare
  5. Medlock Healthcare
  6. Apikos Pharma
  7. Ambit Bio-Medix
  8. Morgen Healthcare
  9. Biocell Pharmaceuticals
  10. Max Pharma

This ranking is an editorial evaluation for prospective PCD franchise partners, not a claim that these companies hold the largest market share in India. Private PCD-company revenue and territory-wise franchise data are generally not published in a standardized public database.

Why Is the PCD Pharma Business Growing in India in 2026?

India’s pharmaceutical industry continues to expand because of domestic healthcare demand, exports, manufacturing capabilities, chronic disease management, and increasing healthcare awareness.

The broader Indian pharmaceutical market was valued at around ₹5.30 lakh crore (about US$60 billion) in FY2026, according to IBEF’s industry overview. The same source projects the domestic market to reach approximately ₹12.47 lakh crore (US$130 billion) by 2030.

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance expects the sector to maintain approximately 7–9% growth in 2026, with complex generics, biosimilars, specialty products, domestic demand, and exports contributing to the industry’s evolution.

That creates opportunities for distribution-led models such as PCD franchises. However, market growth does not automatically mean every franchise opportunity will be profitable. The company, territory, product selection, pricing, inventory management, and local sales execution still matter.

  • Growing domestic demand for medicines
  • Expansion of healthcare services beyond major metros
  • Increasing importance of quality and regulatory compliance
  • Growth of chronic-care therapies
  • Stronger interest in specialty and differentiated formulations
  • Greater use of digital tools in pharma sales and distribution
  • Continued growth of India’s pharmaceutical exports
  • Increased attention to manufacturing quality and documentation
  • Expansion into Tier-2, Tier-3, and semi-urban markets
  • More informed franchise partners comparing companies before investing

India also remains one of the world’s major pharmaceutical manufacturing and export hubs. IBEF reports that India is the third-largest pharmaceutical producer by volume and that pharmaceutical exports reached about US$31 billion in FY2026.


Top 10 PCD Pharma Companies in India 2026

1. Dosage Life Sciences – Best PCD Pharma Company in India

Dosage Lifesciences Logo

Dosage Life Sciences takes the first position in this editorial ranking because its current business model combines PCD partnerships with pharmaceutical development, manufacturing coordination, regulatory support, analytical services, and broader healthcare product capabilities.

For entrepreneurs looking beyond a simple product-supply relationship, this integrated approach can be particularly valuable.

Dosage Life Sciences states that it supports PCD pharma partnerships with ready-to-market products, monopoly rights, and marketing support. Its published capabilities also cover pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and veterinary product development and manufacturing.

Why consider Dosage Life Sciences?

The company positions itself as more than a conventional product supplier. Its published capabilities include formulation development, CMC support, analytical validation, regulatory documentation, manufacturing coordination, packaging development, technology transfer, and commercial launch support.

That broader capability matters because a PCD partner often needs more than a catalogue.

A strong franchise relationship should ideally connect product quality, documentation, supply, marketing, and business support rather than treating each element as a separate problem.

Key strengths of Dosage Life Sciences

  • PCD pharma partnership opportunities
  • Monopoly/territory-based business model
  • Pharmaceutical product development support
  • Nutraceutical and cosmeceutical capabilities
  • WHO-GMP and Schedule M compliance positioning
  • ICH-aligned quality systems
  • Regulatory and CMC support
  • Analytical and stability support
  • Commercial manufacturing coordination
  • Long-term development and manufacturing support

Who should consider Dosage Life Sciences?

Dosage Life Sciences may be a particularly interesting option for entrepreneurs who want to build a pharmaceutical business while also having access to deeper technical and product-development capabilities.

For a new franchise partner, that can mean evaluating not only today’s product list but also the company’s ability to support future product expansion.

A strong option for entrepreneurs looking for an integrated PCD Pharma Company and longer-term pharmaceutical development support.


2. Arlak Biotech – Large Product Portfolio and Franchise Support

Arlak Biotech is another established name frequently appearing in discussions about PCD Pharma companies in India.

The company’s official website states that it markets more than 2,500 brands across 16 divisions and operates a franchise network with more than 2,000 associates. It also describes its manufacturing as being carried out through GMP-certified units and highlights ISO certification.

Why consider Arlak Biotech?

A broad product portfolio can be useful for franchise partners because it allows them to select products according to local prescribing and market requirements.

Arlak’s published franchise support includes promotional materials such as visual aids, reminder cards, visiting cards, order books, MR bags, product manuals, and other marketing inputs.

The company also has dedicated pages for different therapeutic areas and regional franchise opportunities.

Key strengths

  • Large published product portfolio
  • Multiple therapeutic divisions
  • GMP-certified manufacturing claims
  • Franchise and distribution network
  • Promotional support
  • General and specialty medicine categories
  • Pan-India franchise positioning

Suitable for partners who prioritize a broad catalogue and established franchise infrastructure.


3. Vibcare Pharma – Strong Monopoly Franchise Model

Vibcare Pharma has built a visible presence in the Indian PCD franchise market with an emphasis on territory-based partnerships.

The company’s current franchise page states that it offers 1,500+ products across 11+ divisions, monopoly-based franchise rights, and marketing support. It also states that its products are manufactured at a WHO-GMP-certified facility.

The company combines a relatively large portfolio with digital order-processing and partner-support systems.

What makes Vibcare different?

Its published portfolio covers divisions including cardiac-diabetic, dermatology, ophthalmic, neuro, general, and other therapeutic categories.

For modern franchise partners, digital order tracking can be more useful than another glossy brochure. A catalogue looks impressive; getting the right products dispatched on time is what actually keeps a business moving.

Key strengths

  • 1,500+ published products
  • 11+ therapeutic divisions
  • Monopoly territory model
  • WHO-GMP manufacturing positioning
  • ISO 9001:2015 certification claim
  • Marketing support
  • Digital order and tracking support
  • Franchise network across India

A strong choice for entrepreneurs seeking a structured monopoly PCD model with a broad product portfolio.


4. Swisschem Healthcare – Diverse Product and Therapeutic Range

Swisschem Healthcare is another company worth evaluating when comparing PCD Pharma companies in India.

The company describes itself as an ISO-certified pharmaceutical business offering PCD franchise rights in selected territories. Its published product range includes tablets, capsules, syrups, injections, ointments, protein products, pediatric products, and other formulations.

Why consider Swisschem Healthcare?

One advantage is the breadth of therapeutic categories presented by the company.

Its website highlights areas including dermatology, cardiac-diabetic care, neurology, ophthalmology, nutraceuticals, pediatric medicines, and other categories.

The company also states that it provides monopoly-based franchise rights and promotional tools for franchise associates.

Key strengths

  • PCD franchise opportunity
  • Monopoly rights
  • Multiple dosage forms
  • Wide therapeutic coverage
  • Marketing materials
  • GMP/WHO manufacturing positioning
  • ISO certification claim
  • Pan-India franchise focus

Worth considering if therapeutic diversity and territory-based franchise rights are priorities.


5. Medlock Healthcare – Franchise-Focused Pharma Partner

Medlock Healthcare has positioned itself around pharmaceutical franchises and PCD opportunities.

The company’s website states that it offers PCD rights for selected vacant areas and provides products across general, gynecology, dermatology, injectable, tablet, capsule, syrup, ointment, sachet, and powder categories.

What can franchise partners evaluate?

Medlock highlights an ISO 9001:2015 certification and WHO-GMP-certified manufacturing plants on its website. It also states that it has more than 250 products with DCGI approval.

The company’s franchise page also emphasizes monopoly rights for available territories and marketing support.

Key strengths

  • PCD franchise model
  • Selected territory availability
  • Monopoly rights
  • General medicine range
  • Gynae and dermatology categories
  • Multiple dosage forms
  • Quality and manufacturing positioning
  • Franchise support

Our verdict: A relevant option for partners who want a franchise-focused company with multiple therapeutic categories.


6. Apikos Pharma – Growing PCD Franchise Company

Apikos Pharma is based in Ambala, Haryana, and operates in pharmaceutical manufacturing, marketing, and exporting.

Its current website describes the company as an ISO 9001:2015-certified pharmaceutical company and highlights a portfolio spanning tablets, capsules, syrups, injections, ointments, nutraceuticals, pediatric, gynecology, dermatology, orthopedic, and general healthcare products.

Why is Apikos Pharma worth considering?

Its combination of general and specialty categories can give franchise partners flexibility when building a local portfolio.

The company also focuses heavily on pharmaceutical franchise partnerships, making it relevant to entrepreneurs specifically searching for a PCD business model rather than simply looking for a large pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Key strengths

  • ISO 9001:2015 certification claim
  • PCD franchise focus
  • General and specialty product categories
  • Pediatric range
  • Gynecology range
  • Dermatology range
  • Orthopedic products
  • Nutraceutical products
  • Multiple dosage forms

Our verdict: A practical option for franchise entrepreneurs seeking a growing Indian PCD company with varied product categories.


7. Ambit Bio-Medix – Broad Franchise and Therapeutic Coverage

Ambit Bio-Medix is an Ahmedabad-based PCD pharma company with a long-standing online presence in the franchise segment.

The company states that it is ISO 9001:2008 certified and works with products manufactured according to WHO-GMP standards. Its published portfolio covers categories such as dermatology, gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics, herbal, gastro, and antibacterial products.

What does Ambit offer franchise partners?

The company publishes information about promotional materials, territory-based franchise opportunities, product categories, and franchise documentation.

It also explains that franchise partners manage their own local marketing and distribution while the company supplies promotional support.

This is an important point for new entrepreneurs: PCD does not mean the parent company will automatically generate your local sales. The franchise partner still needs to develop relationships with healthcare professionals, distributors, pharmacies, and other relevant customers.

Key strengths

  • PCD franchise model
  • ISO certification claim
  • WHO-GMP manufacturing positioning
  • Multiple therapeutic categories
  • Promotional support
  • Territory-based business opportunities
  • Established online franchise presence

Our verdict: A suitable option for entrepreneurs interested in a broad therapeutic portfolio and established franchise structure.


8. Morgen Healthcare – Franchise-Oriented Business Model

Morgen Healthcare is another recognizable name in the PCD franchise space, particularly in the Chandigarh region and surrounding pharmaceutical ecosystem.

The company’s website describes it as a PCD pharma company offering franchise opportunities to distributors and entrepreneurs and highlights research-based formulations, WHO-GMP-certified manufacturing, and ethical business practices.

Why consider Morgen Healthcare?

Morgen focuses on the relationship between pharmaceutical products and franchise business development.

Its product listings include tablets and other formulations, while the company positions itself around quality, innovation, and partner opportunities.

9. Biocell Pharmaceuticals – Established Franchise and Marketing Support

Biocell Pharmaceuticals is another company that actively promotes PCD and pharmaceutical franchise opportunities.

Its website states that the company offers marketing, franchise, and PCD rights to individuals and groups and provides products and promotional materials to franchise partners.

The company’s published product categories include general medicines, pediatrics, herbal products, orthopedics, and neurology.

Biocell’s franchise-focused content also highlights factors such as monopoly rights, product range, timely delivery, and promotional support.

Key strengths

  • PCD and franchise rights
  • General medicine portfolio
  • Pediatric products
  • Herbal products
  • Orthopedic products
  • Neurology products
  • Promotional materials
  • Franchise-focused support

Our verdict: A useful company to compare when looking for a PCD partner with multiple product categories and franchise support.


10. Max Pharma – Monopoly-Based PCD Opportunity

Max Pharma rounds out this list as a franchise-oriented pharmaceutical company offering PCD opportunities.

Its official franchise page states that the company provides tablets, capsules, syrups, injections, and other pharmaceutical products and offers monopoly-based franchise opportunities. It also highlights ISO and WHO-GMP-related quality positioning.

The company’s current website describes its portfolio across areas including ENT, orthopedics, pediatrics, gastrointestinal care, and women’s health. It also highlights monopoly rights, promotional support, timely delivery, and customer service.

Key strengths

  • PCD franchise opportunity
  • Monopoly territory model
  • Multiple dosage forms
  • General and specialty categories
  • Promotional support
  • Pan-India business positioning
  • Product and logistics support

A relevant option for entrepreneurs looking for a territory-based PCD franchise model.


How Did We Select These Top 10 PCD Pharma Companies?

There is no universally accepted government ranking called “Top 10 PCD Pharma Companies in India.”

That is why a trustworthy article should explain its methodology instead of presenting an unsupported list as fact.

For this 2026 comparison, the key evaluation factors are

1. PCD Availability

The company should publicly demonstrate that it offers a PCD, pharma franchise, or territory-based distribution model.

2. Product Portfolio

A useful PCD pharma company should offer products relevant to actual market demand rather than an unnecessarily large catalogue with little practical value.

3. Quality and Compliance

Evaluate quality claims carefully, including available information on GMP, WHO-GMP, ISO, Schedule M, manufacturing partners, documentation, and applicable regulatory approvals.

India’s regulatory environment is also becoming more quality-focused. CDSCO has highlighted the implementation of the revised Schedule M and WHO technical requirements.

4. Monopoly or Territory Rights

Territory protection can be an important commercial factor because internal competition from another partner of the same company can affect business viability.

However, franchisees should always read the actual agreement rather than relying only on website claims.

5. Marketing Support

Promotional materials, product information, visual aids, samples, training, and digital support can reduce the workload of a new franchise partner.

6. Supply Reliability

A fantastic product catalogue becomes useless if popular products repeatedly go out of stock.

7. Transparency

Pricing, minimum orders, payment terms, territory rights, expiry policies, replacement policies, and other commercial conditions should be clear before placing an order.

8. Business Fit

The “best pharma company” for one entrepreneur may not be the best for another.

A dermatology-focused distributor needs a different product mix from a general-medicine distributor.


What Is a PCD Pharma Company?

PCD stands for Propaganda Cum Distribution.

In the Indian pharmaceutical business context, a PCD model generally allows a pharmaceutical company to authorize an individual, distributor, or business partner to promote and distribute its products within an agreed territory.

The franchise partner typically focuses on local sales, promotion, distribution, customer relationships, and market development, while the pharmaceutical company supplies products and may provide promotional and business support.

How does a PCD franchise work?

The process generally looks like this:

Company → Franchise Partner → Local Market → Pharmacies/Distributors/Healthcare Network

The exact arrangement differs from company to company.

Some companies provide monopoly rights. Some require minimum orders or sales targets. Some provide extensive promotional support, while others provide only basic materials.

That is why comparing the actual agreement is more important than comparing marketing slogans.


What Are the Benefits of Starting a PCD Pharma Franchise in India?

The PCD model can offer a comparatively accessible entry route into pharmaceutical distribution because the partner does not necessarily need to establish a complete manufacturing operation.

Major advantages can include:

  • Lower infrastructure requirements than setting up a manufacturing plant
  • Access to an existing product portfolio
  • Territory-based business opportunities
  • Marketing and promotional support
  • Ability to build a local distribution network
  • Opportunity to focus on selected therapeutic segments
  • Potential to expand product categories over time
  • Support from an established pharmaceutical organization

However, “low investment” should never be confused with “no risk.”

Inventory costs money. Expired stock can create losses. Local competition can affect sales. Doctor and pharmacy relationships take time to build.

The PCD model is a business—not a magic ATM with a medicine label.


What Should You Check Before Choosing the Best PCD Pharma Company?

Choosing the right PCD Pharma Company requires more research than simply searching Google and selecting the first company that appears.

Check the following before signing an agreement:

Product Quality

Ask for relevant product and manufacturing documentation. Verify the manufacturing source and applicable approvals rather than relying only on a website badge.

Territory Availability

Get written confirmation of your territory and understand whether exclusivity depends on minimum purchases or sales targets.

Product Pricing

Compare the company’s pricing with comparable products in your market.

Minimum Order Quantity

Ask whether minimum quantities apply by product, category, or order.

Expiry and Replacement Policy

This is often overlooked. Ask clearly what happens to damaged, short-expiry, or defective products.

Marketing Support

Understand exactly what the company provides.

For example:

  • Visual aids
  • Product cards
  • Samples
  • Promotional bags
  • Digital marketing material
  • Product catalogs
  • Training
  • Sales support

Supply Chain

Ask about typical dispatch timelines, stock availability, courier arrangements, and order tracking.

Agreement Terms

Never accept verbal promises as a substitute for written commercial terms.


Is PCD Pharma a Profitable Business in India in 2026?

PCD Pharma can be profitable, but no responsible company can guarantee a fixed profit or return.

Your actual result depends on factors such as

  • Territory potential
  • Product demand
  • Competition
  • Product pricing
  • Sales execution
  • Doctor relationships
  • Pharmacy network
  • Working capital
  • Inventory turnover
  • Company support
  • Repeat orders
  • Regulatory compliance

The wider Indian pharmaceutical sector has strong growth fundamentals, but an individual franchise’s performance can differ greatly from the national market.

This distinction is crucial.

A growing pharma market creates opportunity. It does not guarantee profit for every franchisee.


The PCD sector is developing alongside broader pharmaceutical trends.

Growth Beyond Tier-1 Cities

Healthcare demand is increasingly spread across smaller cities, towns, and semi-urban markets.

This creates opportunities for regional pharmaceutical distributors who understand local prescribing, pharmacy networks, and healthcare access.

Greater Focus on Quality

Regulatory expectations around manufacturing quality are increasing.

The revised Schedule M framework reflects a move toward stronger GMP and manufacturing requirements aligned more closely with international expectations.

Digital Pharma Sales

Digital catalogues, online ordering, WhatsApp-based communication, CRM systems, digital product information, and order tracking are becoming increasingly useful.

The traditional sales model is not disappearing; it is simply becoming more digital.

Chronic Therapy Growth

Cardiology, diabetes, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, and other chronic-care categories remain important areas of pharmaceutical demand.

Specialty Products

Companies are increasingly looking beyond simple commodity products and developing differentiated formulations, specialty products, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and complex therapies.

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance notes that complex generics, biosimilars, and specialty products are among the areas supporting the industry’s evolution in 2026.


PCD Pharma Companies in India: Quick Comparison

CompanyKey StrengthBest For
Dosage Life SciencesIntegrated development, manufacturing, and PCD supportLong-term pharma entrepreneurs
Arlak BiotechLarge published portfolioBroad product requirements
Vibcare Pharma1,500+ products and monopoly modelTerritory-focused franchise
Swisschem HealthcareDiverse therapeutic portfolioMulti-category franchise
Medlock HealthcareFranchise-focused product rangeNew and growing partners
Apikos PharmaGeneral + specialty categoriesMulti-segment businesses
Ambit Bio-MedixBroad therapeutic coverageExperienced franchise partners
Morgen HealthcarePCD-oriented business modelRegional franchise opportunities
Biocell PharmaceuticalsFranchise and marketing supportGeneral/specialty portfolio
Max PharmaMonopoly-based PCD modelTerritory-focused entrepreneurs

Why Dosage Life Sciences Is Our #1 Pick

The main reason Dosage Life Sciences ranks first is not simply the number of products it publishes.

Its positioning connects PCD pharma partnerships with pharmaceutical development, regulatory support, analytical services, manufacturing coordination, and commercial launch capabilities.

That creates a potentially stronger foundation for entrepreneurs who want more than a short-term product-distribution relationship.

The company’s published capabilities include:

  • Formulation development
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing support
  • Nutraceutical development
  • Cosmeceutical development
  • Veterinary product support
  • CMC documentation
  • Regulatory consultation
  • Analytical support
  • Stability support
  • Packaging development
  • Technology transfer
  • PCD pharma partnerships
  • Greenfield and Brownfield project support

This integrated approach is particularly relevant in the pharmaceutical industry where quality, documentation, regulatory expectations, and product differentiation are becoming increasingly important.

For entrepreneurs comparing the best pharma company for a long-term business relationship, that broader technical capability deserves attention.

How do I select a PCD Pharma Company?

Compare:

  1. Product quality
  2. Manufacturing and compliance information
  3. Product portfolio
  4. Territory rights
  5. Pricing
  6. Minimum order requirements
  7. Marketing support
  8. Supply reliability
  9. Expiry/replacement policy
  10. Agreement terms

Do not select a company only because it claims to be “No. 1.

Which PCD Pharma Company Should You Choose?

The Indian pharmaceutical sector enters 2026 with strong structural growth, expanding domestic demand, substantial exports, and continued investment in manufacturing and quality.

IBEF estimates India’s domestic pharmaceutical market at about US$60 billion in FY2026. The market may reach about US$130 billion by 2030.

For entrepreneurs, that creates a promising environment—but choosing the right PCD partner remains critical.

Our 2026 editorial ranking places Dosage Life Sciences at #1, followed by Arlak Biotech, Vibcare Pharma, Swisschem Healthcare, Medlock Healthcare, Apikos Pharma, Ambit Bio-Medix, Morgen Healthcare, Biocell Pharmaceuticals, and Max Pharma.

The most important takeaway is simple:

Don’t choose a PCD Pharma Company only for the highest claimed margin. Choose the company that can consistently support your business with quality products, clear commercial terms, reliable supply, appropriate territory protection, useful marketing support, and transparent documentation.

If you are starting from scratch, begin with your territory and customer demand. Then select the therapeutic categories that make sense for that market.

And if you are looking for a partner that combines PCD pharma support with pharmaceutical formulation, regulatory, analytical, manufacturing, and development capabilities, Dosage Life Sciences deserves a place at the top of your shortlist.

Indian Pharma Export Market and Future Outlook

India has positioned itself as a leading global center for pharmaceutical production and exports. The country is especially competitive in generics, drug formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vaccines, biosimilars, and other cost-effective healthcare solutions. India ships pharma products to over 200 countries, with key destinations including the United States, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. As per recent industry figures, India’s pharmaceutical exports surpassed US$31 billion in FY2025–26, reflecting sustained strength even amid pricing pressures, tightening regulatory expectations, and geopolitical risks.

One of the biggest advantages of India’s pharma export sector is its capacity to produce quality medicines at relatively low costs. India is still the world’s largest supplier of generic drugs by volume. It provides about 20% of the global drug supply. Indian companies also maintain a solid footprint in tightly regulated markets, particularly the US and Europe, where adherence to global quality and compliance benchmarks is critical. This blend of scale, skilled talent, cost efficiency, and regulatory readiness has reinforced India’s standing as the “Pharmacy of the World.”

Frequently Asked Questions About PCD Pharma Companies in India

Which is the best PCD Pharma Company in India in 2026?

Our editorial #1 choice is Dosage Life Sciences, based on its combination of PCD partnership support, formulation and manufacturing capabilities, regulatory support, analytical services, and broader pharmaceutical development infrastructure.

The best choice for an individual franchisee, however, depends on territory, product requirements, investment capacity, and commercial terms.

What does PCD mean in pharma?

PCD means Propaganda Cum Distribution. It refers to a pharmaceutical business model in which a company gives marketing and distribution rights for its products to an individual or business partner, usually within a defined territory.

Is PCD Pharma a good business opportunity?

It can be a good opportunity for entrepreneurs who understand pharmaceutical sales and distribution and choose a suitable company and territory.

Profit is not guaranteed and depends on local market conditions, product demand, working capital, sales execution, and company support.

How much investment is required for a PCD Pharma franchise?

There is no single investment amount applicable to every company.

Investment can vary depending on the product range, initial order, territory, business structure, licenses, working capital, storage requirements, and commercial terms.

Always request a current quotation and written terms before making a payment.

Do PCD companies provide monopoly rights?

Many PCD companies offer territory-based or monopoly rights, but the exact terms vary.

Some may make exclusivity conditional on minimum orders or sales performance.

Always verify the territory and exclusivity conditions in the written agreement.

Do I need a drug license for a PCD pharma business?

The licensing requirements depend on the nature of your pharmaceutical activity and applicable Indian regulations.

A prospective franchise partner should confirm the applicable requirements with the relevant drug-control authority and ensure all necessary licenses and registrations are in place before distributing medicines.

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *