Indian biotech sector is pursuing the generic business model of pharmaceutical industry in the country by shifting its focus to bio-similar drug development, says Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, head, vision group on Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka. Shaw is also chairman and managing director of Biocon Limited. In an interview with Nandita Vijay, Dr. Shaw shared in detail the role of Bangalore Bio series in shaping the country's biotech sector and overall picture of the industry. Excerpts
Going by the theme of Bangalore Bio 2007, 'Accelerating industry growth through integrated innovation,' how much and to what extent have novel innovations impacted the biotech sector?
The Indian biotech sector is mimicking the business model of Indian pharma by pursuing the safe avenue of bio-similar drug development. Novel innovations are really what will build us into a credible force in the global biotech arena. Only a few Indian biotech companies are investing in novel innovation. Biocon, ReaMetrix India, Strand and Avesthagen are some of the few innovators in India. Investors and analysts are still not comfortable with innovation led business models. I guess our financial community lacks the muscle and maturity to invest in innovation. However, companies like Glenmark and Biocon will provide the impetus to do so in the future.
As the driving force behind the last six editions of Bangalore Bio, what do you think is the uniqueness of the event this year?
Bangalore Bio has gained credibility over the years as the most respected biotech event in Asia. The event has grown in size and stature and garnered increasing international participation. Bangalore Bio 2007 will see a much larger scale of operations both in terms of foreign participation and in the number of exhibitors and sponsors. This year, Australia, especially the Victorian Government has sought a partner status in the event. The Governor of Victoria is expected to lead a large delegation of Australian biotech companies. Apart, delegates from countries like UK, Germany, France and Korea will be present in a bigger way than in the past. Bangalore Bio 2007 will also feature Bangalore Biotech Trail, a platform for company visits.
How much have these events contributed to the growth of biotech sector in the state?
Tremendously. The Bangalore Bio series have helped Karnataka, especially Bangalore to establish its credentials very firmly on the global biotech forum. It has also propelled the birth of several new biotech companies in the country. The event has boosted joint ventures and alliances in a great deal and played an important role in increasing investments in the biotech sector.
What do you think are the bottlenecks for the delayed drug manufacturing efforts in the state?
If you look at the global biotech scenario, you will see that more than 80 per cent of the companies are research based, while only less than 20 per cent have manufacturing capabilities. This mirrors the information technology sector in terms of the software and hardware ratio. Hence I believe that the state will do well, projecting it as an R&D hub. However, we are addressing the factors that hinder manufacturing opportunities, including inadequate infrastructure in terms of environmental and pollution norms, uninterrupted power supply and reliable water supply. We will examine the possibility to set up a SEZ for bio-manufacturing as a second biotech park.
What are the factors attracting companies like Pall Corporation and Agilent Technologies to set up their R&D base in the state?
Like I said, this image is very positive, as I strongly believe that clinical trials and research services are the backbone of the biotech sector. It is the talent pool and the research environment that is attracting companies to Bangalore.
What is the future of Bangalore Bio events and the industry?
There is no doubt that the future is very bright for Bangalore Bio and Indian biotechnology industry.