Novartis is expanding the scope and scale of work at its India development centres as it sharpens its global focus on cardio-renal-metabolic diseases, oncology, immunology and neuroscience. At the same time, the Swiss drugmaker is stepping up investments in advanced technology platforms, including radioligand therapy (RLT), xRNA, gene and cell therapies, and data-intensive development models. Novartis now integrates India across the entire development workflow.
“Nearly every molecule that reaches late-stage development at Novartis sees strong contributions from teams in India,” said Dr Sadhna Joglekar, Senior Vice President and Head of the Development India Hub. Indian teams support a broad range of functions spanning chemistry, analytics, biostatistics, clinical operations, regulatory documentation and AI-enabled analyses, while actively contributing to multiple Phase II and Phase III programmes.
Measurable Contributions Across Priority Assets
Although Novartis did not disclose location-wise details, Dr Joglekar highlighted inclisiran, lutetium-177 vipivotide tetraxetan and remibrutinib as recent programmes where India delivered tangible inputs. These included analytical method development, process optimisation, clinical operations and data management, reinforcing India’s role as a critical execution and innovation partner.
Obesity and Cardio-Metabolic Strategy Gain Momentum
Obesity is emerging as a key area of evaluation for Novartis. While the company does not plan to launch “another me-too GLP-1 or GIP agent,” it is actively assessing next-generation approaches. Early-stage research is underway on longer-acting biologics and siRNA-based mechanisms. Dr Joglekar noted that India already contributes to the broader cardio-metabolic strategy and will play a central role if an obesity programme advances to late-stage development.
A Deep and Integrated India Footprint
Novartis’ presence in India spans biomedical research, development, commercial and operations, employing over 9,000 people. With nearly 2,800 physicians, scientists and specialists in the Development India Hub alone, the country accounts for about 11% of Novartis’ global workforce. “India offers an advantage not just in scale and depth of talent, but in integrating science, data and operations within a single ecosystem,” Dr Joglekar said.
Building Advanced Digital and Scientific Capabilities
Looking ahead, Novartis is strengthening India-based capabilities in digital and hybrid trials, biomarker and quantitative sciences, model-informed drug development and complex CMC work. Platforms such as Protocol.AI and the Clinical Intelligence Platform are being enhanced through India-led data engineering and modelling teams. In parallel, safety science and real-world evidence functions are expanding as India evolves into a larger pharmacovigilance hub.
At Genome Valley and Hi-Tech City, teams have deepened work on RLT precursors, oligonucleotides, small molecules and analytical packages that support global lifecycle management. As platforms like RLT and xRNA mature, the complexity and scientific depth of work handled in India will continue to rise.
Accelerating Global Decisions at Scale
India’s role is also growing as Novartis evaluates new geographies, indications and patient cohorts. According to Dr Joglekar, “speed to evidence, quality at scale and platform expertise” are the three areas where India accelerates global decision-making. While many upcoming assets remain confidential, the model demonstrated with inclisiran, remibrutinib and RLT therapies is expected to extend across the pipeline.
“What is unique is that our hub does not support a single therapy area—it spans the full pipeline,” she added. As reported by businesstoday.in, with development professionals spread across Hyderabad, Genome Valley and Mumbai, nearly every Novartis global programme now has a strong India connection.
