India to make molecules to cut dependency on China

Hyderabad: The Indian pharmaceutical sector, which is dependent on import of crucial items such as APIs, is planning to manufacture a few of the top 100 molecules that are currently being imported, Pharmexcil chairman and Aurobindo Pharma director Madan Mohan Reddy said here on Thursday.

Speaking to the media at IPHEX 2017, Mr Reddy said, “Pharmexcil is in talks with the government and the industry to manufacture some of the top 100 molecules that are currently being imported to help reduce the dependency on imports.”

Despite India being the pharma factory for the world, Indian pharma firms of late have become dependent on China for APIs due to the low cost offered by the neighbouring country.

Recently, the Central government expressed concern about Indian pharma companies’ dependence on China. “This government step would support the country in reducing its dependence on China for sourcing some essential APIs,” said Mansukh L Mandaviya, MoS (chemicals and fertilisers), in the Rajya Sabha.

When pressed about the types of molecules that are being discussed, Mr Reddy said, “While the compilation of data and feasibility study is yet to be done but the fermentation-based molecules are being looked at as a possible option. It would take about six months for the study.”

Mr Reddy said that two bodies — one from the government and the other from industry — would be set up to decide on which firms would manufacture the molecules but hinted that most of the big firms are interested in manufacturing these drugs, if there is some support from the government.

“Most firms don’t have a proper R&D centre and the big firms that do have an R&D, such as ourselves, have different priorities. Moreover, most fermentation-based molecules require around 3-4 year and this is where a bit of support (from the government) is required,” Mr Reddy said.

In another development, Pharmexcil vice-chairman and CEO of Nectar Life Sciences Dinesh Dua said that India is looking at harmonisation of rules for Pharma exports.

Mr Dua said,“The US and EU are actively looking to harmonise their norms and India too is actively working towards it.”

He added, “There are various levels of harmonisation such as good manufacturing practices, reciprocal inspections which would help save money and manpower.”