Zeenat Parween, Correspondent, India Pharma Outlook
Even with all these advances, biologics continue to play a central role. Drugs like Keytruda and Dupixent are widely used and continue to expand into new indications. At the same time, treatments like Ozempic are opening new conversations around metabolic health, including obesity and cardiovascular risk.
But the model around these drugs is changing. High costs are pushing the industry to think differently about pricing, partnerships, and patient access. This is where biosimilars and policy support will play a bigger role in the coming years.
“Biosimilars represent a significant opportunity for India—not just as a cost advantage, but as a way to expand global access to high-quality biologic treatments,” says Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw founder and Executive Chairperson of Biocon and Biocon Biologics.
India is becoming an important part of this global shift.
The country has always been known for its strength in generics. Now, it is moving into more advanced areas like biosimilars and specialty drugs. Companies are also working on alternatives to global therapies such as Humira and Herceptin, helping improve access in both domestic and international markets.
This move from volume to value is important. It shows that the focus is no longer just on producing medicines, but on contributing to innovation.
Dilip Shanghvi Founder and Executive Chairman of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries says, “The growth of the Indian pharmaceutical industry will increasingly come from specialty products, where there is a need for differentiated offerings and deeper scientific capabilities.”
Also Read: The Future of Genomic Sequencing: Trends That Will Define the Next Decade
The direction is clear. Pharma is trying to solve the problems that have existed for years—cost, access, and long treatment cycles.
There is still work to be done. Gene therapies are expensive. Advanced treatments are not yet available everywhere. Regulatory systems are still catching up with the pace of innovation.
But progress is visible.
More therapies are entering the market. Development timelines are improving. And collaboration between companies is becoming more common.
Rajeev Sibal President, India Region Formulations at Lupin Limited says, “The real impact of innovation is measured by how widely patients can access it, especially in markets like India where affordability remains critical.”
This World Health Day is a good moment to look at how far things have come.
The challenges are still there, but the response is stronger than before. The industry is not just creating new drugs—it is trying to make them more accessible and more effective at the same time.
If this continues, the future of healthcare will not just be about better treatment. It will be about reaching more people, sooner, with solutions that actually make a difference.
1. What are complex generics and how are they different from regular generics?
Complex generics are advanced versions of generic drugs that involve sophisticated delivery systems, such as inhalers or long-acting injectables. They are more difficult to develop but can improve treatment effectiveness and patient convenience.
2. What role does gene therapy play in modern medicine?
Gene therapy is changing how diseases are treated by targeting the root cause at the genetic level. Instead of managing symptoms over time, some gene therapies aim to provide long-term or even one-time treatment solutions.
3. What are the key pharma trends shaping global healthcare in 2026?
Key pharma trends include the growth of biosimilars, expansion of gene and cell therapies, increased use of biologics, and a stronger focus on affordability and access. Digital technologies and AI are also helping speed up drug development and manufacturing.
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