Last Updated on August 29, 2025 by The Health Master
Patents
The appeal for all scientists and entrepreneurs to get down to research and development (R&D) and secure patents for new drugs has resonated from the Red Fort this 79th Independence Day by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To make India truly Atmanirbhar in pharmaceuticals.
Why focus on R&D?
Because we are lagging behind in R&D since the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) did a study about it, and the results are revealing.
While research-based efforts between Industry and Academia have yielded positive results in India, the efforts have been disjointed.
Thus, India boasts 2% of researchers compared to the world’s number, while the US and China hold 20%.
OECD countries
Of the relevant R&D in the country, 75-80% is government funded, while 20-25% is privately funded.
For example, 3% comes from universities, while, on the contrary, 69% comes from the private sector in some OECD countries.
This means growth can happen in India as well, on a global scale.
Patent cliff: a generics prospect
India is known as the pharmacy of the world; with over 10,500 pharmaceutical manufacturing units in India, there are 60,000 generic drugs produced across 60 therapeutic areas.
The tide is turning.
Several Indian pharma companies are now looking to develop not only in the generics arena post-COVID but also to create a pipeline for biosimilars.
Expiry of patents
The opportunity lies in the next decade, and it’s known as the “patent cliff.”
The patent cliff will see over 300 drug patents expire per year between 2022 and 2032.
For example, at present, blockbuster diabetic drugs are expiring, and the weight-loss equivalent to semaglutide is expected to go off patent about March 2026.
Indian companies can now enter the U.S. and regulated arenas with their versions and expound globally.
Q: What is a patent cliff, and why will it be important for us?
A: The “patent cliff” references when a large number of a drug company’s patents are set to expire. This is massively important for us because our companies can create generics and bring them to regulated markets at this time, which will offer our companies export potential and increased market share.
Q: What instance in the past reflects patents expiring?
A: Recently, patents were filed for some diabetes drugs, such as empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. After patents expired, Indian companies were able to roll out generics, and prices dropped by as much as 85% in the Indian market, making these critical drugs available.
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.
Big Push for Safer Medicines: Launches “SHRESTH” to rank States
Drug recall: Sun Pharma recalls 11,328 bottles of BP drug
New Draft Standards for IVD Medical Devices: CDSCO
UCPMP 2024: A New Era for Ethical Pharma Marketing
Final Call: No more extensions for WHO-GMP certification
CDSCO Approval: Panel Nod For Alfuzosin-Tadalafil FDC PMS Study
New Recruitment Rules for Deputy Drugs Controller, CDSCO
NSQ drug recall time reduced – 30 days to 3 days
