India can be known as the Pharma Powerhouse going by the industry’s maturity to meet the challenges of regulated regimes of the developed countries and provide cost competitive drugs, said Dr P M Akbarali, managing director, Apotex Pharmachem India Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru.

In a recap on the performance of Indian pharma so far, Dr Akbarali pointed out that the current scene is quite upbeat from an industry growth point of view. Today, the knowledge base is strong and the critical mass in terms of skilled personnel are making significant contributions for the growth of the  sector. The presence of a dedicated US FDA office here for the South Asia  recognizes India’s prowess in the regulated regions.

“Therefore, there is no second thought on the capability of Indian pharma industry and Bangalore too is gearing up to play its role to emerge as a pharma destination for the future. Companies like Biocon, Strides Arcolab and Micro Labs have exercised their strengths not just in exports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations but portray their expertise and reliability in adhering to timeline deliveries in contract research and manufacturing services(CRAMS). Even Apotex Pharmachem, an associated company of Apotex Pharmachem Inc., Canada, made its mark by expanding its operations here. We have set up an integrated operations for  API research and manufacturing formulations to clinical studies, committing   over US$ 100 million and to create over 1,000 jobs in Bengaluru,” he added.

“The country and the city specifically complement the supportive knowledge-based environment created for the growth of the pharma industry,” said Dr Akbarali.

Supply of quality students from the academic institutions could be a differential as far as sourcing the intellectual capital required to support the foundation is concerned. The technical support in solid state chemistry from research centres have chipped in the necessary inputs for Intellectual Property that could help challenge patents and give the companies an edge in the developed market of US, EU, Japan. The advanced information technology industry too makes up for the much-needed support. Many companies from abroad setting up R&D centres in India and Bengaluru are a testimony to the recognition, he said.

“Indian pharma has depicted the features of being attuned to globalization. It is not just the mergers and acquisitions but the clinical research organizations (CROs) and CRAMS which have  facilitated the industry to prove its acumen  in  collaborative assignments which  has helped the country to elevate to a   status of a knowledge leader in this sector. In the Year 2011, India has been on the road to becoming a Pharma Powerhouse,” said Dr Akbarali.