Grifols

India’s biopharma market is on a transformative growth trajectory, fueled by a confluence of factors including an expanding talent pool, advancements in biotechnology, and a concerted push for healthcare accessibility. Govern­ment initiatives, such as promoting domestic manufacturing and regulatory support, alongside increasing demand for innovative therapies targeting chronic and rare diseases, including plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are reshaping the industry. Sustainability and innovation re­main critical as companies balance immediate patient needs with long-term research investments. In this dynamic and competitive landscape, Grifols, a global leader in PDMPs and transfusion medicine, has emerged as a pivotal player.

Catalysts of Biopharma Innovation

Established in Barcelona, Spain, in 1909, Grifols is a global healthcare company committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world through trusted plasma-derived medicines and other healthcare solutions, robust innovation, and sustainable practices. With a growing footprint in India, where the company is celebrating 10 years of providing medicines to the country’s patients, Grifols “offers a comprehensive portfolio of therapeutics and healthcare solutions including biopharmaceuticals, diagnostic reagents and instrumentation, biological materials, and intermediate plasma products”, says Manpreet Singh, Director, Grifols India.

As PDMPs remain critical for treating chronic and rare diseases, Grifols emphasizes the importance of expanding the plasma donor base worldwide. It currently has one of the world’s largest networks of plasma donation centers, with over 390 locations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Through public-private partnerships such as the ones established in Canada and Egypt, the company also aims to help countries and regions achieve plasma self-sufficiency.

Grifols leverages its growing and deepening expertise in plasma science to deliver targeted treatments for conditions like immunodeficiencies, respiratory ailments, bleeding disorders, and infectious diseases, among other conditions. Its dedication to innovation is reflected in a global R&D network spanning 13 centers and supported by over 1,200 researchers. Over the past five years, Grifols has invested €1.68 billion in R&D, cementing its position as one of the leaders in healthcare innovation. The company is also advancing a non-plasma portfolio, including recombinant antibody therapies, to broaden its impact across diverse therapeutic areas.

Building Trust through Compliance

Grifols upholds the highest standards to ensure the quality and safety of its medicines and healthcare solutions. Central to the production of plasma-derived medicines is the implementation of stringent safety protocols across the entire plasma journey, from donation to packaging, which guarantee that all finished products are free from potential infectious agents. Beyond meeting local and international regulatory requirements, the company adopts additional global safety practices, including adherence to the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association’s (PPTA) QSEAL Voluntary Standards, reinforcing its commitment to patient safety.

In India, the company demonstrates unwavering compliance with local regulatory frameworks, including the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and its subsequent amendments, as well as the guidelines outlined in the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Grifols aligns with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements, follows the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), and adheres to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) guidelines on pharmacovigilance. In addition, the company ensures efficient license renewals, product registration, and comprehensive regulatory lifecycle management, reflecting its dedication to maintaining excellence in the Indian biopharma sector.

Championing Sustainable Development

Grifols aligns its operations with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment reflects its dedication to meeting the needs of patients, donors, and other stakeholders while addressing broader societal and environmental challenges. Grifols has set ambitious environmental targets aimed at accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy, intending to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Its approach to sustainability has earned widespread international recognition. The company has consistently been ranked among the world's most sustainable companies by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since 2021. Other accolades include inclusion in indices such as Dow Jones Sustainability Europe and Euronext Vigeo Eiris from 2020, and the FTSE4Good from 2018. Furthermore, Grifols ranks among the top five biotech companies globally for sustainability, achieving one of the highest scores by a Spanish company to date, exceeding the European average according to S&P Global Ratings. The company has also been acknowledged for its commitment to gender equality, with recognition in The Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for fostering women’s professional growth and representation within its workforce.

Empowering Research and Innovation

Grifols recognizes that addressing unmet healthcare needs requires a deep understanding of patient requirements and market dynamics. To achieve this, the company leverages the expertise of its Scientific Innovation Office including Medical Affairs and Clinical Development to foster collaboration with research institutions and healthcare professionals (HCPs). These interactions enable it to gather critical insights into clinical practices and patient profiles, tailoring its innovations to the specific needs of markets like India.

The company actively cultivates partnerships with Indian research institutions through multiple initiatives. Its prestigious Grifols Scientific Awards program encourages groundbreaking investigation by offering global recognition and support to researchers and clinicians, including those in India, who can apply via the program's dedicated platform. In addition, the company invests in research specific to the Indian healthcare landscape through grants and investigator-sponsored projects. These initiatives focus on exploring the prevalence of rare diseases and optimizing treatment protocols that align with the unique medical practices and patient characteristics of the region.

The company’s dedication to balancing immediate patient needs with future-focused innovation defines its strategy in India’s competitive biopharma landscape. Its investments in cutting-edge therapies, regulatory compliance, and sustainability reflect a holistic vision of healthcare advancement. As India continues to emerge as a global biopharma hub, Grifols remains at the forefront, committed to improving lives and shaping the future of healthcare in the region.