BIO India Shines the Global Spotlight on Biotech in India
The second annual BIO India International Partnering Conference provided attendees and exhibitors alike a forum to meet and discuss the various opportunities and challenges facing the industry in India. The Conference was held in Hyderabad, India on September 21-22.
The discussion at BIO India focused on clinical trials regulations, particularly the lack of clarity and consistency, which are a significant barrier to research, development, commercialization and investment for both innovative and generic medicines in India. These challenges directly impact the availability of important therapies for Indian patients. (See Moneycontrol: Red tapism hurting biotech in India: Shaw, The Hindu Business Line: Delays, subjectivity hurting drugs research: Biocon chief, Mydigitalfc.com: Lack of clarity in norms on clinical trials dogs biotech firms)
Conducting clinical trials is required for delivering novel medicines for neglected, chronic and tropical diseases in India. If done right, these trialsalso create valuable clinical data for tailoring therapies for the Indian population.
There is an important role for the government of India in helping to create a nurturing environment for the growth of the biotech sector, namely, establishing science-based regulations and a legal framework that can help provide clarity and predictability. The government can help encourage innovation by providing a balance between the immediate needs of the Indian population and the desire for India to be a sustainable force for cutting edge innovation.
India’s biotech and pharmaceutical space is world class, and the number and type of collaborations between Indian and US or EU companies has grown rapidly in the past few years.
During this period of tremendous growth in both the Indian economy and its healthcare sector, it is a critical time to capitalize on the biotech opportunities available within India. BIO is committed to helping to support and grow the biotech sector in India, working with partners such as the Association of Biotechnology-Led Enterprises (ABLE) and many of our member companies that are actively engaged in research and development in India.
Through this conference and BIO's ongoing advocacy efforts, we aim to help the industry flourish within India's borders and help patients and citizens benefit from the promise of biotech.
BIO recognizes the outlook for biotech in India is promising, and we will work with our partners and members to ensure that this industry growth is achieved to benefit the country and its citizenry.
About BIO India
The BIO India International Partnering Conference featured high level keynote addresses and panel sessions, One-on-One Partnering, company presentations and exhibiting and networking opportunities.
Keynote speakers at the second annual event included Glenn Saldanha, Chairman and Managing Director, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals; Aaron Schacht, Executive Director and COO, Global External R&D, Eli Lilly & Company; Vivek Mohan, President of Services at Alcatel-Lucent; and Cartikeya Reddy, Senior Vice-President and Head, Biologics, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
Plenary and panel sessions highlighted the latest issues and trends related to doing business in India. BIO India panel sessions included: Cross-Cultural Deal Making-Diving into Pfizer-Biocon; Beyond Outsourcing – Uncovering Innovation in India, moderated by Glen Giovannetti, Global Biotechnology Leader, Ernst & Young and Strategic Roadmap for India: A Discourse Among Global Pharma Executives, moderated by Sri Mosur, CEO, Jubilant Biosys.
BIO’s One-on-One Partnering tool arranged private meetings between investors, large biotech and pharmaceutical companies and emerging Indian biotech companies. The 2011 participating companies provided high-quality contract research, manufacturing and clinical trials support and offered the potential for partnerships on discovery and development deals.
Additionally, this year’s Conference featured company presentations by biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Companies were able to capitalize on this unique opportunity that placed their organization in the forefront of a diverse global audience.