Can Indian biosimilars and generics restate accessibility in global underserved markets?

Hari Kiran Chereddi, MD & CEO - HRV Pharma & NHG Pharma highlights that India's success in generics is no longer enough, as the world now demands advanced biologics, biosimilars, and personalised medicines. He further emphasises on the need for stronger regulation, innovation, and investment so India can lead in next-generation therapies and expand global access to cutting-edge healthcare

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Pharmacy of the world, a name that India has earned through the provision of low-cost, quality generics to patients geographically.

India now produces close to 20 per cent of the world's generic medicines and more than 60 per cent of the demand for vaccines worldwide. The global healthcare landscape is evolving with patients no longer asking for affordable drugs alone, but are seeking innovative biologics, biosimilars, and personalized medicines.

The conversation is no longer about India retaining the position as one of the world's largest generics suppliers; it is about establishing leadership with next-generation therapies and redefining access to underserved therapeutic categories.

Generics: The bedrock of access

Generic medicines have revolutionized the affordability of healthcare globally. India's scale of production, regulatory capacity, and low-cost supply chains supported the global spread of ARVs for HIV/AIDS in Africa, oncology medicines in Latin America, and critical antibiotics in Asia as a few examples.

But the generics business is coming of age. Price erosion, patent cliffs levelling out, and increasing regulatory pressures are compressing margins. India needs to approach generics not as the end game but as the springboard for innovation to continue playing its role as the pharmacy of the world.

Biosimilars: The next frontier of access