Page 11 - Pharma Darpan August 2021 Anniversary Issue

EXPERT REVIEW Volume -II Issue -1 August-2021

NAVITAS 2021: The Annual Festival
Current Trends and Future of Pharmaceutical Industry

Drugs and research are integral part of pharmaceutical Industry anywhere in the world. In India,
Generic drugs forms about 71% market share, form the largest segment of the Pharmaceutical
industry in India. During 2017-2019 branded drugs worth $150 bn became off patent. This led to
about more than 90 percent of dispensed medicine are generic medicines.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is currently the largest global supplier of cost-effective generic
drugs . The Indian pharmaceutical companies meet over 50% of the global demand for various
vaccines, 40% of the generic demand in the USA, and 25% of demand of all the medicines in the
UK. Thus, the drugs made in India are exported to more than 200 countries around the world, with
the United States of America (USA) being India’s biggest market.
Thus pharmacy students can look at Pharma Industry as very good opportunity for innovation. The Mrs. Jyoti Sunil Naik
pharma industry trend is changing due to development of several technologies. Last two years Senior General manager-
due to Covid -19 pandemic, the pharma Industry gained unmatched importance . Many pharma Formulation development
companies spent several crores of rupees to develop vaccines, medicines, nasal pumps , inhalers Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
etc. India being among the pharmaceutical Industry succeeded in developing vaccine to combat
the disease. Glenmark becomes the first pharmaceutical company in India to receive regulatory approval for oral antiviral Favipiravir (
FABIFLU) for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid -19. The pharmaceutical industry is now undergoing rapid changes due to the
development of several technologies. The increasing investments, growth of technology startups, and the expiry of several key patents,
as well as favourable regulatory environment, encourage innovation across the pharma industry trends. However, India has been
witnessing increasing competition from other nations such as South Korea and China, who are also trying to establish themselves in
the global generics market. Indeed, competition is always better for the patients seeking cheaper medicines.

Greater Focus on R&D Value
There is an increased focus on the value of medications. As a result, pharmaceutical companies are more concerned than ever about
ensuring research and development. There is an effort to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency to meet the needs of patients.
This has required pharmaceutical companies to examine their research and development practices to ensure they are refined and
focused. Indian pharma companies are increasingly focusing on specialty portfolios in specific therapeutic categories. This is evident
from industry examples such as: Glenmark’s targeted focus on dermatology, oncology, and respiratory, Dr. Reddy’s focus on
Dermatology, Lupin Pharma’s focus on paediatrics etc.

Significant innovation opportunities for India include-
3D printing in medical applications across product development and commercial manufacturing, 3D-printed pills have far more practical
applications to managing treatments. Since the FDA approved Spritam, the first 3D-printed prescription drug to treat symptoms of
epilepsy, in 2015, the technology has been improving. Researchers are now investigating the manufacture of multi-layered “polypills” via
3D-printing. These are made to contain several drugs with the aim to help patients adhere to their regimen and better manage their
medications. Drug companies will need to invest in developing this technology further to better help patient treatments.

Use of robotics or Digitalization of Pharma Industry-
Last 2 years because of Pandemic the use and importance of robotics and digitalization has increased. Top pharmaceutical companies
are equipping their employees with digital tools which help them continue working from remote locations. Digital tools also help
companies access classified data on demand without compromising breach of confidentiality. Digitalisation also helps governments keep
track of vaccination drives, public healthcare data, and manage national healthcare facilities effectively.
For instance, there are many paper processes that have been replaced by digital processes, which has enhanced operational efficiency
and facilitated adherence to standard operating procedures with greater ease. This is a trend that will continue. It will also help to drive
regulatory compliance. Many pharmaceutical companies appreciate the implementation of digital processes. It also improves
transparency and has the potential to mitigate the loss of data.
From an operational perspective, the use of digital training to ensure the proper and efficient use of technologies implemented. The use
of digital platforms for training is also cost-effective because you can train personnel on-demand at any time of the day or week.

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