'Confident about Biocon's response to US tariffs'

Amid uncertainties around potential tariffs by the United States (US) on pharmaceuticals, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said her firm is well positioned to respond to them. In a video interview with Sohini Das and Aneeka Chatterjee, Shaw spoke about the company's strategic vision on generics, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plans, etc. Edited excerpts:

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How do you see the US tariffs playing out and how are you placed to face them?

It is difficult to speculate on the potential impact of those because the industry is waiting for clarity. Until specific announcements are made, it is premature to draw conclusions about how this might affect the sector, especially in relation to generics.

That said, as a company, we are assessing our global supply-chain strategy. We have a strong and growing presence in the US, including a generics facility in Cranbury, New Jersey. Syngene (a subsidiary) has invested in a biologics facility in Baltimore, and it is being considered a manufacturing base for biosimilars targeting the US market.

Additionally, our partnership with Civica, which has a local insulin-manufacturing base, supports our ability to mitigate potential tariff-related impacts.

We remain confident in our global footprint and are well positioned to respond once more details are available.

The decision to merge Biocon Biologics with Biocon or list the biologics arm?

The board has appointed merchant bankers and advisors to take a final call on the way forward in value unlocking. As soon as the final decision is taken, we will disclose it.