Innovation must remain at the core of our efforts
India’s biopharma sector, currently valued at over $54 billion, is on a promising trajectory, and projected to reach nearly $63 billion by 2025. To emerge as global leaders, Indian biopharma companies must adopt a multifaceted strategy focused on innovation, scalability, and sustainability.
First and foremost, innovation must remain at the core of our efforts. Investing in cutting-edge research, particularly in biosimilars, novel biologics, and cell and gene therapies, will be crucial. Collaborations with academia, start-ups, and global research organisations can help catalyse breakthroughs in precision medicine and advanced therapies.
Secondly, scalability is crucial. With India having the highest number of US FDA-compliant drug manufacturing facilities outside the US, targeted capital investment in infrastructure will strengthen manufacturing and supply chains to enable the delivery of high-quality, affordable therapies at scale. Integrating advanced technologies such as AI and automation can further enhance operational efficiency, accelerate drug development timelines, and drive cost-effectiveness.
Equally important is sustainability. Embracing green manufacturing practices and embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into operations will not only future-proof our businesses but also align with the global emphasis on sustainable healthcare solutions.
Finally, an unwavering focus on talent development is non-negotiable. By nurturing a skilled workforce through specialised training programs and fostering a culture of innovation, Indian biopharma companies can stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive global market.
In meeting the growing demand for transformative healthcare solutions and addressing pressing challenges, India’s biopharma sector can solidify its position as a global leader.
Indian players need to focus on increasing their R&D investments and partner with leading universities
India has established itself as a significant player in the low-cost vaccine supply globally in the biopharma sector. Serum Institute of India (SII) is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. India is the largest vaccine producer in the world and accounts for 60 per cent of the global vaccine production.
However, there are very few biopharma players who have made a mark globally with respect to biosimilars. Biocon has established itself as a leading biopharma player from India with a significant presence in biosimilars globally.
On the biologics and personalised medicines research front, Indian players are still in a nascent stage and would need a lot of focus to make a stride in this area. To make a foothold in this area, Indian players need to focus on increasing their R&D investments and partner with leading universities and companies globally to support their research on biologics and personalised medicines.
Indian players are still in the early stage of growth within the biosimilars segment. For growth momentum, they need to invest substantially in improving their production capacity for biosimilars. Also, Indian players need to focus on leading markets like the US and Europe for commercialisation. However, there will be very few Indian players who will leave a mark in this segment in the long run, as it is a capital-intensive business with the involvement of high risks.
Localising key input materials, processes and equipment will drive both innovation and cost efficiencies
Immuneel Therapeutics is redefining cancer care in India by combining global expertise with local innovation. Through initiatives such as our partnership with the prestigious Hospital Clínic de Barcelona in Spain for the development and launch of Qartemi—our pioneering CD-19 CAR T therapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-NHL—we are setting new standards in advanced treatments. Our innovation pipeline further underscores our dedication to addressing unmet medical needs, while collaborations with major hospitals in India ensure that patients have access to world-class therapies. As we look to 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to democratise cutting-edge care, bringing hope and healing to patients across the region.
To emerge as leaders in the biopharma field, Indian companies must focus on several key strategies. First, fostering strategic partnerships with global institutions is critical to gaining access to the latest technologies and best practices. Second, investing heavily in research and development will be essential to staying ahead of the competition and addressing the evolving needs of patients, particularly in advanced areas like cell and gene therapies. Third, collaborating with regulators to create robust regulatory pathways that support innovation, while maintaining high safety and efficacy standards, is also vital. Additionally, localising key input materials, processes and equipment will drive both innovation and cost efficiencies, making advanced therapies more accessible and sustainable in the region. Companies must prioritise improving patient access to life-saving treatments by partnering with major hospitals to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Finally, cultivating a culture of innovation, agility, and collaboration will empower Indian biopharma players to drive the future of healthcare—not only in India but on the global stage. At Immuneel, we are committed to these strategies, positioning ourselves at the forefront of this exciting evolution in medicine.