Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by The Health Master
Rifampicin
The drug Rifampicin, which is used in serious bacterial infections, particularly tuberculosis (TB), is expected to be commissioned this year.
The following crucial medications are ready for domestic manufacturing this year, which will be a landmark in the nation’s healthcare security:
- Rifampicin,
- Prednisolone,
- Betamethasone, and
- Dexamethasone.
This development directly addresses the need for consistent supply of essential medicines, particularly those vital for treating tuberculosis (TB), asthma, allergies, and even complications arising from premature births.
Rifampicin: Fight Against TB
As reported by official sources to ANI, “Rifampicin is at an advanced stage of execution and is expected to be commissioned later this year.”
This is monumental because Rifampicin is a key first-line drug in the treatment of TB, a disease that remains a significant public health challenge in India.
The ability to produce this drug domestically is critical for ensuring a stable and accessible supply.
“To effectively continue our goal of eliminating TB, a consistent supply of essential first-line anti-tubercular drugs like Rifampicin is essential.”
During FY2023-24, India imported Rifampicin worth Rs 77 crore,” highlighting the financial and strategic importance of local production.
Why Rifampicin is important?:
- It is very important for the initial treatment of Tuberculosis (TB).
- It ensures consistent treatment and further prevents the spread of the disease.
- It will reduce dependence on imports.
Steroid Power: Addressing Asthma, Allegies, and Premature Births
Alongside Rifampicin, Prednisolone, Betamethasone, and Dexamethasone are also set for domestic production.
These steroids play a very important role in the treatment of various diseases, i.e., asthma, allergies, and immune disorders.
The following drugs are listed in the National List of Essential Medicines:
- Prednisolone,
- Betamethasone, and
- Dexamethasone.
PLI Scheme
The main driving force behind this development is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for bulk drugs.
Natural Biogenex Private Limited is establishing projects in Tumkur, Karnataka, with a capacity of 10-15 MT/annum for Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, and Betamethasone.
“At optimal production, the projects are expected to ensure annual domestic supply worth Rs 150 crore, which will contribute significantly to India’s self-resilience in this key class of drugs, besides contributing to the domestic economy and foreign exchange savings,” officials state.
PLI Scheme Impact:
- The PLI Scheme attracts more investment in domestic drug manufacturing.
- It reduces import dependence on important APIs and KSMs.
- It will strengthen India’s pharmaceutical sector.
- Creation of 34 projects with over Rs 4,200 crore of investment.
Fermentation Technology
The focus on enhancing fermentation technology in bulk drug production is particularly significant.
While India boasts a large pharmaceutical industry, it has historically relied on imports for fermentation-based APIs.
“Fermentation-based projects are technologically more challenging to establish than chemical-based ones, and India has been significantly import-dependent in fermentation-based manufacturing of APIs,” experts note.
Fermentation Technology Benefits:
- Domestic production of complex APIs by fermentation technology.
- Reduces vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
- Production of APIs like Penicillin-G, Clavulanic Acid can be done by fermentation technology.
Q: What is the significance of domestic Rifampicin production?
A: Domestic production of Rifampicin will ensure a stable supply of drugs used in the treatment of TB and will reduce the import dependence.
Q: How is the PLI scheme beneficial for the pharmaceutical sector?
A: PLI scheme will attract more investments, increase domestic manufacturing, and reduce reliance on imported APIs.
Q: What are the key benefits of fermentation technology in drug manufacturing?
A: Manufacturing of complex APIs can be done by fermentation technology.
Q: Which diseases are treated using Prednisolone, Betamethasone, and Dexamethasone?
A: Asthma, allergies, immune disorders, and complications related to premature births.
Q: What is API?
A: Active pharmaceutical ingredient that is used in the manufacturing of final products.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is for general knowledge and for informational purposes only, and it cannot be treated as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health issues and / or for the treatment of the same. The Health Master does not claim responsibility for this information.
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