India’s Global Position
India plays a crucial role in the global vaccine market, leading in the supply of vaccines for DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus), BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin, used against tuberculosis), and measles. It supplies 70 percent of WHO-approved vaccines for essential immunizations.
In the bio-agriculture sector, India is the second-largest producer of BT cotton, a genetically modified pest-resistant cotton.
Biotechnology Industry Segments in India
India’s biotechnology industry includes over 5,000 companies, with 760 core companies and 4,240 start-ups, spread across five major segments: biopharma, bio-agriculture, bio-industrial, and bio-services (which includes bio IT, contract research organizations, and research services).
As of 2020, biopharmaceuticals is the largest segment, contributing 62 percent to the bio economy, followed by bio-agriculture at 16 percent, and bio-services and bio-industrial at 15 percent and 7 percent, respectively. The bio-services and bio-industrial segments are expected to experience rapid growth, with the former becoming a leading destination for clinical trials and contract research, and the latter identified as a significant opportunity.
Key Players and Industry Clusters
Domestic Players:
– Serum Institute of India (SII): Established in 1966, SII is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by doses produced and sold, including vaccines for polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and more. SII acquired Bilthoven Biologicals in 2012 and partnered with AstraZeneca in 2020 for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
– Panacea Biotech Ltd.: Founded in 1984, Panacea Biotech specializes in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biosimilars, with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Lalru.
– Biocon Ltd.: Established in 1978, Biocon focuses on affordable medicines, with its headquarters in Bengaluru.
Foreign Investors:
– AstraZeneca plc: This British-Swedish multinational has invested US$90 million to expand its presence in India.
– Bayer AG: The German multinational operates across crop science, pharmaceuticals, and consumer health in India, with a significant workforce and multiple locations.
– GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK): Headquartered in Mumbai, GSK is a leader in dermatology and has a substantial presence in India.
– Novozymes A/S: This Danish biotechnology company is a major supplier of industrial enzymes and microorganisms in South Asia.
Growth Trends
Between 2015 and 2020, India’s biotechnology industry value doubled from US$35.2 billion to US$70.2 billion. The biopharma segment saw significant growth with a 13 percent CAGR, while the bio-industrial segment led with a 15 percent CAGR.
The Future Outlook
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the biotechnology landscape globally. Despite challenges, the sector grew by 12.3 percent in India. The Indian government aims to make the country a top-five global biotechnology producer by 2025, targeting a bioeconomy worth US$150 billion. Key areas of focus for 2021-25 include strengthening the education and research ecosystem, advancing new technologies, fostering start-ups, and positioning India as a leading bio-manufacturing hub.
Projects and Opportunities
– Genetic Enhancement of Pulses: A mission to improve legume varieties with disease and climate resilience.
– Promoting Biotechnology in the Northeast: Allocating 10 percent of the DBT’s budget to boost biotech activities in the region.
– Mission Program “Ind-CEPI”: Strengthening vaccine development for epidemic diseases.
– Emerging Hub for Biosimilars: India is a major player in the biosimilars market, with many products in development.
– Bio-industrial Opportunities: Growth in biofuels, bioplastics, and bioenergy, with a focus on expanding production capacities.
Government Support and Policies
The Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign and subsequent policies aim to boost the biotechnology sector. Key initiatives include:
– BIRAC: Supporting biotech start-ups with funding and investment.
– National Biopharma Mission: Promoting indigenous manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
– Budget Allocations: Significant funding for biotech R&D and infrastructure.
– Skill Development: Establishing councils to enhance biotech sector skills.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s push towards a ‘Self-Reliant India’ emphasizes biotechnology’s role in advancing technology and innovation. Supportive policies and reforms are designed to foster a robust biotech ecosystem, encouraging investment, enhancing capacity, and opening new opportunities for domestic and international partnerships.
