Bio Spectrum - September 2024

In this issue

Can India Reclaim API Throne from China?
Despite having the third-largest pharmaceutical industry by volume in the world and being the largest manufacturer of generic medicines globally, India is heavily dependent on China for imports of raw materials, Key Starting Materials (KSMs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). India is the source of around 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories and manufactures more than 500 different APIs. However, India imports about 70 per cent of its APIs from China as it’s a cheaper option than manufacturing them domestically. There were 58 APIs in which India was heavily dependent on China. In the case of 45 APIs, India was dependent on China for 100 per cent of imports. Out of these 58 APIs, 29 APIs are manufactured through fermentation and 29 APIs are manufactured through chemical synthesis. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has drawn up a list of 56 APIs to prioritise them for the Make-in-India initiative. These include APIs or bulk drugs that go into the making of essential drugs, such as antibiotics, anti-HIV medicines, and the humble but indispensable paracetamol. The plan to make APIs in India has been in the works for some time but the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR ) was engaged only recently. Let’s see how these steps taken by the government help to promote the production of KSMs and APIs in India in the coming years.

Economic Survey Lays Focus On Mental Healthcare For The First Time

For the first time ever, the Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament recently, talks extensively about mental health, its significance and implications on policy recommendations.

1 min

Ministry of Ayush inks donor agreement with WHO

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a Donor Agreement during a signing ceremony organised at WHO Headquarters in Geneva.

1 min

Mankind Pharma acquires 100% stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines for Rs 13,630 Cr

Mankind Pharma has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV) from Advent International, for an enterprise value of approx.

1 min

Thyrocare buys Polo Labs' pathology diagnostic biz to strengthen Northern India presence

Mumbai-based Thyrocare, a leading diagnostic and preventive healthcare service provider in India, has entered into a Business Transfer Agreement with Polo Labs to acquire their pathology diagnostic business.

1 min

Medicamen Organics expands footprint in East Africa with $75,000 investment in Rwanda

Delhi-based pharma company Medicamen Organics has taken a significant step in its global expansion strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Depot Pharmacy Yego in Rwanda.

1 min

NovaLead's patented repurposed drug for treating DFU gets CDSCO approval

Pune-based NovaLead Pharma has announced that the drug regulator in India, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has approved their patented Repurposed Drug for treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) which is a global unmet medical need.

1 min

JRS Pharma & Gujarat Microwax open new manufacturing facility in Mehsana

JRS Pharma, a leading manufacturer of excipients, in partnership with Gujarat Microwax, has commissioned a new manufacturing facility for cotton-based croscarmellose sodium.

1 min

Can India Reclaim API Throne from China?

Despite having the third-largest pharmaceutical industry by volume in the world and being the largest manufacturer of generic medicines globally, India is heavily dependent on China for imports of raw materials, Key Starting Materials (KSMs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

10+ mins

Are Nutraceuticals DRUGS? Examining a Needless Regulatory Tussle

The news has been around for a while which has put a big question mark ahead of the Indian nutraceuticals industry.

9 mins

13th Bengaluru INDIA NANO 2024 brings together 1018 delegates, 3,000+ visitors

The 13th edition of Bengaluru INDIA NANO 2024, organised by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Science & Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) concluded on August 3 with participation of 1018 delegates, 11 countries including Korea, Morocco, USA, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Japan, and Poland, 49 exhibitors comprising 21 startups and 28 industry and institutes, and 200 posters. The exhibition had a footfall of 3,000+ visitors.

3 mins

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Bio Spectrum Magazine Description:

India's leading publication that covers the business of bio-technology. With comprehensive analyses of policy issues, products and services across the bio-pharma, bio-informatics, bio-infrastructure and bio-agriculture segments, it is the industry's most authoritative source of information.