In the new yr, the Indian pharma sector may have to face a new reality, each at home and abroad.
For example, in the country, the updated Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practice (UCPMP) 2024 might be more rigorously implemented under the new head of the Department of Pharmacy (DoP). Under the outgoing DoP chief, UCPMP 2024 issued its first order just a couple of days ago (in December) regarding alleged violation by Abbvie Healthcare India.
The order found that the company violated the pharmaceutical ethics code by sponsoring an overseas holiday (Monaco and Paris) for about 30 healthcare staff. Abbvie and the industry platform are interpreting the company’s actions in another way, and there might be more discussions in 2025 to make clear the interpretation and implementation of the UCPMP.
Trump’s politics
More flanks of conflict and geopolitical uncertainty have opened up around the world, including in Bangladesh. This, whilst a key export market – the USA, gains a new president in the person of Donald Trump. His policies on “America First”, drug pricing, mental property (IP) and health care chief elections and the regulatory Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could impact Indian drugmakers.
Another key achievement in the US is the Biosecure Act. In early December, it was not included in a key defense bill – despite bipartisan support. This change is difficult, industry insiders say. The BioSecure Act aimed to limit cooperation with certain Chinese corporations, opening up opportunities for Indian drugmakers, amongst others.
Sujay Shetty, Global Health Industry Consulting Leader at PwC, says the coming yr might be interesting for 2 key reasons – the changing dynamics in the US and the opportunities presented by GLP-1 drugs (diabetes and weight reduction drugs).
The United States is the most vital marketplace for India’s top 20 drugmakers, Shetty says, pointing to the implications of possible policy changes from President-elect Trump that include localization. The BioSecure Act will create opportunities, he adds, because corporations will need to mock and strengthen supply chains. It also highlights the opportunities for GLP-1 drugs in the coming years as obesity becomes an increasing health problem. (The GLP-1 segment became “popular” with the diabetes and weight reduction drugs semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy by Novo Nordisk) and tirzepatid (Mounjaro by Eli Lilly).
And as generic drug opportunities come under pressure, corporations will look to opportunities in biosimilars and products, Shetty adds. Targeted acquisitions related to geography or therapy will proceed, he said. Last yr, Mankind Pharma acquired Bharat Serums and Vaccines for ₹ 13,630 crore. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry was doing quite well in 2024, he notes.
Health safety
The pharmaceutical industry plays a key role in the country’s health security. To this end, government efforts are being made to support the production of lively pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the development of new antibiotics (naphythromycin) and medical devices; other than expanding Janaushadhi retail stores to buy cheaper medicines.
While there is enthusiasm for the production of penicillin G, after 30 years, domestic drug and device manufacturers might be trying to improve their operations by innovating to fulfill local needs and global supplies while maintaining affordability. Quality might be one other key issue that drugmakers might want to keep front and center.
In fact, in 2025, the pharmaceutical/vaccine and medical device industry will give attention to ensuring a consistent supply that meets local and overseas requirements, with a greater commitment to quality.
