Global Biotech Firms on India Quest (India)

International biotechnology companies are increasingly deciding to have an Indian base due to the emerging opportunities in clinical trials. Of the 10 largest biotech firms, Amgen and Biogen Idec have set up wholly owned subsidiaries in the country. Others, including Genentech, Serono, Chiron, and Gilead, have established a presence in India through marketing partners and are in the process of exploring business opportunities on an increasing scale. Biogen Idec set up its wholly owned domestic subsidiary Biogen Idec Biotech India in September, and has also invested significantly in the Indian R&D segment. "The company plans to invest several million dollars in the first year of its operations. An exact figure cannot be quoted as we are yet to decide the scope of operations in the initial year," said Biogen India Managing Director Alpna Seth, who added that the firm has already tied up with major domestic contract research organizations for conducting clinical trials for a medicine for Parkinson's disease. Meanwhile, Biogen India's commercial presence in the country will continue through its existing marketing partners, Roche and Nicholas Piramal. Amgen has opened a wholly owned subsidiary, Amgen Technology, in Mumbai, with an initial focus in India on clinical development and trials of its drugs. Amgen is working with contract research organizations in India and is in the process of forming alliances with domestic companies to support its R&D operations. (Click here for more