Government is speaking with stakeholders to discover ambitious projects and define the role of industry in executing its recent budget proposal, which is intended to advance research and innovation in pharmaceutical industry. It is going to be implemented through centers of excellence. The government is going to select seven CoEs for now that will be responsible for research and development of innovative solutions in moonshot areas. “Budget allocation towards research in pharma and health is a step in the right direction which would further make India atmanirbhar,” says Ankur Nijhawan, CEO, AXA France Vie India Reinsurance Branch.

India’s pharma industry is well-poised to take its competence to the next level as it has already proven its capability through several innovations. Through the use of synthetic organic chemistry and reverse engineering, Indian pharmaceutical companies have been able to create many inexpensive generic medicines with remarkable efficiency. In recent years, the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry in India has experienced dramatic growth. The Indian pharmaceutical sector has made a considerable contribution to enhance global health benefits, and the medical devices market is on track to continue its upward trend.

In this article, we will discuss the most important areas for potential moonshot projects for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Each of these areas has a great potential for growth and can help bring about revolutionary changes in healthcare delivery across India.

Drug Discovery and Pre-Clinical Research

Developing innovative new treatments involves testing and research to find molecules that act on therapeutic targets. Pharmaceutical companies in India can take the lead in this area through advanced technologies and techniques such as high-throughput screening, polypharmacology, and chemical biology. With the increasing number of innovative drugs being developed, the need for more efficient drug discovery processes has become very important. In order to meet this demand, India will become one of the most important countries in terms of drug discovery and pre-clinical research.

Indian researchers have been able to make significant progress in drug discovery and pre-clinical research through the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics. These technologies will further enable Indian researchers to identify potential new drugs faster than ever before, leading to improved outcomes for patients. Additionally, with increased access to data resources and collaborations with other countries, India can become a major hub for drug discovery and pre-clinical research activities.

The Indian government will have to actively support drug discovery and pre-clinical research projects by providing funding for research institutes, universities, and startups involved in drug discovery and pre-clinical research. Additionally, the government will also have to encourage public-private partnerships to further accelerate these projects.

Drug Delivery and Targeting

A key factor in the efficacy of a drug is ensuring that it is delivered to its site of action in an active form, and in the right quantity. Drug delivery and targeting is an important part of the pharma industry in India. It involves the use of advanced technology to ensure that drugs reach their intended target with maximum efficiency, safety, and efficacy.

Drug delivery and targeting technologies, such as nano-formulation, self-assembling polymers, and nanoliposomes, can enable drug molecules to be delivered safely and specifically to the desired target, while minimizing side-effects. This process can help reduce the cost of drug production and delivery as well as increase patient satisfaction.

Drug delivery and targeting technologies are being used in India to improve drug efficacy, reduce side effects, and make sure that drugs reach their intended targets with minimal wastage. This helps to reduce costs while ensuring that patients get the best possible care. Additionally, these technologies can also be used to monitor patient responses in real-time, allowing for more effective treatment strategies.

Drug delivery and targeting projects in India will include development of nanomedicines, targeted drug-delivery systems, and other innovative technologies that will be used to deliver drugs effectively to their target sites. These projects will make drug delivery more targeted, efficient, and cost-effective.

Biologics and Biosimilars

Production of biosimilars requires advanced testing methods to ensure that their structure and function match those of the original drugs. Developing safe and effective biosimilars can help reduce the cost of treatment. Biologics and biosimilars are becoming increasingly important in India's healthcare industry. The development of biologics and biosimilars has allowed for more affordable treatments for a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Hence, these drugs have become an important part of India's pharmaceutical industry.

With the help of advanced technology, India is now able to develop biologics and biosimilars that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. The Indian government will have to invest heavily in research and development projects related to biologics and biosimilars. Several upcoming projects will have to be planned by the government and private companies with focus on developing new drugs for various diseases, as well as improving existing ones. These projects will have the potential to create an environment where these drugs can be made available at affordable prices for all patients.

With these initiatives, India will become an important player in the global biologic and biosimilar market. It will be interesting to see how these projects pan out in the near future.