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Source: The post the rapid growth of the biopharmaceutical industry has been created, based on the article “Industry links with academia are critical to success in biopharma” published in “Live mint” on 17th May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance– Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Context: The article discusses the rapid growth of the biopharmaceutical industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of collaboration between industry and academia for innovation, drug development, and overcoming challenges in the evolving biopharma landscape.
What is the biopharmaceutical industry?
The biopharmaceutical industry produces drugs and therapies from living organisms. This includes vaccines, biologics, biosimilars, and cell and gene therapies.
Since 1982, the global biopharmaceutical industry has grown significantly. It is estimated at $528 billion and is expected to grow at a double-digit compounded annual growth rate.
India ranks among the top 12 biotechnology destinations globally. In 2023, the Indian biopharma industry surpassed $92 billion, reflecting a 15% growth from the previous year.
The rise in chronic diseases, higher income levels, and demand for better treatments are driving this growth. Biopharma has advantages over traditional medicine, such as fewer side effects and greater effectiveness.
Why is collaboration between industry and academia important?
Collaboration between industry and academia is essential for biopharmaceutical research and development.
Industry and academia together can handle extensive research, clinical trials, and regulatory adherence.
Academia has contributed to successful drugs like Paclitaxel, Vorinostat, Prezista, Viread, and Dexrazoxane.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the success of collaborations in developing life-saving vaccines and therapies.
India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer involved IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT.
Programs like Pfizer-IIT Delhi Innovation and INDovation have fostered 34 healthcare innovators and filed 19 intellectual properties.
What initiatives support India’s biopharmaceutical capabilities?
Initiatives like establishment of a department of biotechnology in 1986, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and National Biopharma Mission (NBM) enhance India’s capabilities. They aim for global competitiveness and improved healthcare through innovative products.
For detailed information on National Biopharma Mission read this article here
What should be done?
- Increase funding for schemes like India’s Ucchatar Avishkar Yojana to foster innovation among students and faculty.
- Establish technology transfer offices (TTOs) in academic institutions to enhance technology transfer capabilities, ensuring research translates into practical solutions.
- Recruit overseas Indian researchers with attractive incentives to address the shortage of qualified faculty, similar to China’s Thousand Talent Programme.
- Implement specialized training on legal and regulatory frameworks for new biotech interventions in universities.
- Integrate these frameworks into the curriculum to better prepare students for the complexities of the biotech landscape and nurture a skilled workforce.
Question for practice:
Discuss the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in the biopharmaceutical sector.
