With 2013 all set to be a watershed year in the life sciences sector in India, we present some ‘Predictions from Pharma Pundits’ to kickstart the year. One theme that promises to lend colour to the years ahead is the increasing role of the patient-consumer. Tapan Ray, Director General, OPPI focusses on how ‘empowered patients’ will change the dynamics of the sector, as they are expected to play an important role in their healthcare decision making process.
The vocal role of NGO networks like the All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN) is a case in point. Its petition to the Supreme Court (SC) of India on rational drug use delayed the drafting of the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy, 2012 and could still change its contours, with the SC due to hear further contentions based on the PIL in the second week of January. The SC is also set to decide on Novartis’ plea on the Glivec patent, another case which could have long-term repercussions. Thus as Milind Sathe, Deputy General Manager-Projects, Unichem Laboratories predicts, IPR issues will mark 2013.
Adding to this theme, is Ankit Suri, Vice President, Tecnova India who says companies will have to be quick to spot changes and trends in consumption patterns and then adapt accordingly.
The adapt and adopt policy is most starkly seen among MNC pharma who have implemented India-focussed strategies in the last year, taking on domestic pharma with a new aggression. For example, Hitesh Sharma, Partner & National Leader – Life Sciences, Ernst & Young points out that both MNC pharma and their domestic counterparts are today chasing growth in the the country’s Tier II and rural markets, even as they collaborate on other fronts.
Anjan Sen, Director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India too stresses the attractiveness of the Indian pharma story in the long term, provided they focus on internal improvements in their business models in the face of relative lack of clarity on policy issues.
Clinical research and trials have been in the news for the wrong reasons in 2012 and the CRO industry seems to gearing up to set the record right in 2013. Dr Kiran Marthak, Vice Chairman, Medical Sub Committee- IDMA and Head Global Clinical Development, Lambda Therapeutic Research, stresses that improved awareness will lead to better business while Hemant Rehani, Vice President & Head – Clinical Development Services, India & Sri Lanka, Quintiles calls for self regulation within the industry. Increasing expectations of sponsors, investigators and patients will also pressurise CROs to turn to technology for solutions, predicts Ted Gastineau, President, ICON Clinical Research.
With impending regulatory reform and the depressed global economy set to be the leitmotif for the year ahead, 2013 could see some short-term pain (new regulations), in the interest of long-term gains (better efficiencies, more transparency). Will the industry be able to walk the talk?
Viveka Roychowdhury
Editor
