Novartis doubles down on innovation in India, with a sharper focus on R&D, clinical trials and regulatory reforms as it moves away from traditional generics
New Delhi: Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis AG is strengthening its focus on innovation in India, with research and development, clinical trials and a more supportive regulatory ecosystem emerging as key priorities for the company.
Novartis, which operates one of its largest global R&D hubs in India, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its research centre this year. The company has maintained a long-standing presence in the country and is now looking to build on that foundation as it shifts its global business strategy increasingly towards innovative medicines.
Earlier this year, Novartis announced plans to exit its publicly listed Indian arm, Novartis India Ltd, as part of its broader global strategy to move away from traditional generics and concentrate its resources on innovative pharmaceutical products.
During a recent visit to India, Judith Love, President, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Novartis, and Amitabh Dube, Country President and Managing Director of Novartis India, spoke about the company’s India strategy, ease of doing business, manufacturing opportunities, research and development, clinical trials, patent-related challenges and regulatory data protection.
India’s strategic importance has grown
Asked about Novartis’ priorities in India and how its approach has evolved over the years, Judith Love said the company’s commitment to India has remained strong.
Novartis has been present in India since 1947 and was among the first global pharmaceutical companies to establish a corporate centre in the country.
According to Love, the company’s commitment has not changed, but its understanding of India’s strategic importance has deepened significantly.
“Novartis has had a commitment to India for many years. We are here since 1947,” Love said.
She noted that the company was among the first to establish a global corporate centre in India and that this long-term commitment continues today.
The company is marking the 25th anniversary of its centre in India, highlighting the growing role of the country within Novartis’ global operations.
Love said Novartis has increasingly recognised both the strategic importance and the scale of the Indian market.
From generics to innovation
Novartis’ current strategy represents an important shift from its earlier business model in India.
The company is increasingly concentrating on innovative medicines and advanced research rather than traditional generics. This global transition is also influencing its priorities in India, where Novartis sees significant potential in R&D, clinical development and innovation.
India’s large talent pool, expanding scientific capabilities and growing pharmaceutical ecosystem make it an important location for global research and innovation.
At the same time, Novartis believes that further improvements in the regulatory environment and greater ease of doing business could make India even more attractive for global pharmaceutical investment.
R&D and clinical trials remain key areas
Research and development is expected to remain central to Novartis’ India strategy.
The company’s long-standing R&D presence provides it with access to India’s scientific and technical talent, while the country’s large and diverse patient population also offers potential for clinical research.
For global pharmaceutical companies, a predictable regulatory environment, efficient approval processes and stronger protection of clinical and regulatory data are increasingly important factors when deciding where to conduct research and invest in manufacturing.
Novartis is therefore looking for further development of an ecosystem that can support innovation across the pharmaceutical value chain.
Building a stronger innovation ecosystem
For India to attract greater investment from global pharmaceutical companies, the development of a broader innovation ecosystem will be critical.
Such an ecosystem would require collaboration among pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, universities, healthcare providers, regulators and policymakers.
A stronger ecosystem could help India move beyond its established reputation as a major manufacturing and generic-drug hub and strengthen its position as a destination for innovative drug discovery, clinical research and advanced pharmaceutical development.
For Novartis, India’s potential extends well beyond its domestic market.
The country can also play a larger role in the company’s global research, technology and innovation network.
The road ahead
Novartis’ renewed focus on India comes at a time when the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing major structural changes.
Global drugmakers are facing challenges including patent expiries, rising R&D costs, increasing regulatory requirements and growing competition from generic and biosimilar manufacturers.
Against this backdrop, innovation is becoming increasingly important for companies seeking sustainable long-term growth.
For India, the opportunity is equally significant. If the country can combine its large talent pool and manufacturing capabilities with a predictable regulatory environment, strong intellectual-property protection and robust clinical research infrastructure, it could become an even more important destination for global pharmaceutical investment.
Novartis’ 25-year R&D journey in India reflects how far the country’s innovation ecosystem has come—and also highlights the significant opportunity that remains ahead.
