Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?

India has emerged as a vibrant biotechnology hub, driven by a large pool of skilled scientists, cost-competitive research and manufacturing, strong public institutions and rising domestic and global demand for affordable healthcare.

Why so much activity

• Policy and funding: the Department of Biotechnology, BIRAC and the National Biotechnology Development Strategy have seeded start-ups and incubators; the newer BioE3 policy promotes bio-manufacturing.
• Talent and cost advantage: abundant trained manpower and low-cost R&D attract investment.
• Demand pull: a huge patient base and the need for affordable medicines create markets.
• Ecosystem: biotech parks, academic-industry linkages and a growing venture ecosystem.

Benefits to biopharma

This activity has made India the world's largest vaccine producer by volume and a leading supplier of affordable generics and biosimilars. During the pandemic, indigenous vaccines such as Covaxin and large-scale production of Covishield demonstrated capability. India now develops recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies and diagnostics, earning the tag pharmacy of the world.

Sustained investment in innovation, regulation and IPR can move India from volume leadership to high-value biopharma leadership.