From taking bold early bets on biological products to pushing for stronger acceptance of locally manufactured medicines, India’s top pharmaceutical leaders recently reflected on the defining decisions that shaped the country’s globally competitive drug industry.
Their insights came at the launch of Made in India — The Story of Desh Bandhu Gupta, Lupin, and Indian Pharma, a book that traces the evolution of Lupin and, in parallel, the broader rise of India’s pharmaceutical sector. The event brought together founders and promoter-family members of leading drugmakers, who shared candid lessons on innovation, risk-taking, and the future of Indian pharma.
Betting Early on Biologics and Global Ambitions
Looking ahead, biological products are expected to account for a significant share of the industry’s growth. Reflecting on missed opportunities, Dilip Shanghvi, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, said the company should have entered the biologics segment sooner. He also stressed the importance of hiring specialised talent rather than learning entirely on the job — a move that could accelerate innovation in complex therapies.
Recalling Sun Pharma’s early days, when the company operated with just two medical representatives — including himself — Shanghvi noted how domestic firms have since scaled to compete globally. “All it takes is one success to give courage to others to walk that path,” he said, citing Glenmark’s recent $700 million out-licensing deal for its cancer drug candidate as an example. To stay competitive, he added, Indian companies must continue expanding internationally, including through overseas acquisitions. Notably, Sun Pharma is reportedly evaluating a major global acquisition.
Driving Acceptance of ‘Made in India’ Medicines
Cipla veteran Y.K. Hamied highlighted another pressing challenge — improving the acceptance of Indian-made medicines within the domestic healthcare ecosystem. He pointed out that leading Indian drugmakers already invest 6–8% of revenues into research and development, underscoring the industry’s commitment to innovation. However, he urged the medical fraternity to show greater confidence in locally developed products. “The industry must come together and move forward collectively on innovation,” he said.
From a policy standpoint, Hamied clarified that he supports patents but not monopolies. He recalled how the industry opposed product patents in the 1970s, leading to their removal before being reintroduced under the amended Patents Act in 2005.
Looking ahead, he expects most advanced research to take place through partnerships with government institutions such as:
*Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
*Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Given rising costs, few companies — apart from leaders like Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories — can independently fund large-scale research, he noted.
Smart Risks and Talent Will Define the Next Phase
GV Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, echoed the need for bold but calculated decisions. According to him, the most effective risks are those that remain “manageable.” He also stressed the importance of bringing in external expertise to strengthen capabilities in specialised areas. Vinita Gupta, CEO of Lupin, described pharmaceuticals as an inherently challenging industry but said Indian companies are now rethinking innovation strategies to create differentiated products and sustainable growth.
A Defining Moment for India’s Pharma Future
Taken together, the reflections underscored how India’s pharmaceutical industry evolved through bold choices, frugal innovation, and a willingness to compete on the world stage. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as biologics, partnerships, and global expansion shape the next chapter, industry leaders agree on one thing: continued risk-taking, stronger R&D, and confidence in homegrown capabilities will determine India’s future as a global pharma powerhouse.
