Innovators need to feel confident, and regulators and innovators should not have any barriers during the process of new drug innovation, stated Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Dr V G Somani, during the session on creating regulatory ecosystem to support innovation at the Global Innovation Summit held by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IP Alliance).

“We had to devise a methodology where we as a regulator, became a facilitator. Without compromising on quality of data and models required, we multiplied efforts and reduced redundant efforts. In the last two years, more than 180 subject expert committee meetings were held,” added Dr Somani.

Dilip Shanghvi, managing director, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, is of the view that the research linked incentive is a very good effort to recognise the efforts of the pharmaceutical industry.

Rajesh Gokhale, secretary, Department of Biotechnology added “The biotech industry is shifting extremely rapidly and unless we open up our regulatory processes we will lag behind in doing cutting-edge innovation in the sector”.

Glenn Saldanha, managing director, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals added, during Covid, Indian drug regulators were quick to approve drugs and we are on right track towards creating a research ecosystem in India.

'The dialogue between the industry and regulator on innovation should be ongoing. We have to work together to drive the industry'," added Sanjay Singh, CEO, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals.

"We are at an inflection point. The future is in innovation and India has all elements like talent and capability and intent to move forward with innovation," added Satish Reddy, chairman, Dr Reddy's Laboratories at the closing remarks.

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance represents research-based pharmaceutical companies in India. It is an alliance of 24 leading Indian pharmaceutical companies, committed to patient care in India and across the world