India Boosts Pharma Innovation with New Initiative
Mumbai, 13 March 2025 – The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, hosted a pivotal Industry Dialogue focused on the Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme. This event brought together industry leaders, associations, and research institutions, including the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to discuss strategies for enhancing collaboration and accelerating research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.
Key Government Initiatives Unveiled
The dialogue highlighted several government initiatives aimed at fostering research and innovation within the industry. Among these was the PRIP Scheme, which aims to strengthen industry-academia partnerships and facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions. Additional programs such as ICMR’s PATENT MITRA, MEDTECH MITRA, and INTENT were also discussed, providing support for patent filing, clinical trials, and the innovation journey. The CSIR’s Innovation Complex in Mumbai was showcased as a hub for translational work that connects research institutions with industry players, further enhancing the ecosystem for pharmaceutical innovation.
Industry Leaders Stress Collaboration and Support
Dr. Sharvil Patel, Vice President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), emphasized the importance of industry-driven innovation and called for increased regulatory support and investment in emerging pharmaceutical technologies. He praised the Government of India for its efforts in launching the PRIP scheme. Similarly, Mr. Anil Matai, Director General of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), underscored the need for a conducive policy environment to encourage greater industry participation in R&D.
Mr. Bharat Shah, National President of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), pointed out the challenges and opportunities faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting research-led growth strategies. He welcomed the government’s initiative to catalyze innovation through the PRIP scheme. Additionally, Mr. Veeraal Gandhi, Vice President of the Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers India (ADMI), highlighted the potential for India to become a global leader in point-of-care diagnostic innovations, contributing significantly to advanced healthcare solutions.
Future Directions and Stakeholder Engagement
Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, stressed the need for affordable healthcare solutions and futuristic products as essential elements of India’s leadership in the global pharmaceutical and medical technology landscape. He noted that data-driven markets would play a transformative role in shaping the future of Pharma-MedTech R&D. Agrawal highlighted that the PRIP Scheme is designed to address future health challenges by supporting innovative and cost-effective healthcare solutions that can enhance both domestic and global healthcare systems.
During breakout sessions, industry representatives provided valuable feedback on research and innovation opportunities, emerging R&D trends, and strategies to improve collaboration between industry and academia. Suggestions included streamlining regulatory pathways and maximizing funding opportunities to scale up innovative research initiatives. Stakeholders were encouraged to submit their feedback and project details through the Expression of Interest (EoI) on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website, which will remain open until April 7, 2025. This initiative aims to refine the PRIP Scheme’s implementation strategy to better align with industry needs and drive growth in the sector.
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