US Biosecure Act may boost Indian CDMO, CRO firms

Indian drug companies to benefit as American biopharma looks to diversify sourcing

- SOHINI DAS

Indian drug companies stand to benefit in the long run if the US Biosecure Act passed. The Act would restrict US federal agencies from procuring equipment and services from certain "biotechnology companies of concern", primarily some large Chinese pharma companies.

Analysts thus point out that this would impact the supply of numerous drugs used in clinical trials and critical raw materials, thereby providing opportunities for Indian companies to act as alternatives. "Green shoots are already visible as over 60 per cent of listed pharma firms have witnessed an increase in the number of enquiries for new businesses, and 33 per cent of them believe that the Act, if implemented, can be a business driver," India Ratings and Research said.

The Biosecure Act aims to protect US biopharmaceutical research by reducing federal funding for companies that partner with foreign adversaries' military or intelligence. If passed, the Act could designate specific Chinese companies as "biotechnology companies of concern". This could lead to US biopharmaceutical companies looking to diversify their suppliers before the 2032 deadline set by the Act.

India Ratings felt that Indian pharma companies operating in the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) and contract research organisation (CRO) segments are likely to reap benefits from increased orders, stemming from the passage of the US Act, from American pharma companies over the next 12-18 months.