Multiple COVID-19 vaccines, including from J&J, Pfizer and RDIF, are seen gaining approvals in India in 2021, following on from a raft of R&D, manufacturing and marketing tie-ups, as well as other developments, in the action-packed field last year. 

Scrip takes a look at the key trends that could play out in 2021 to shape the trajectory of Indian drug makers, including evolving dynamics in the US under a new president. Thorny India-China relations will add a layer of complexity, while firms may also want to look beyond the chief information officers as they ramp up digital engagement.

With seven COVID-19 treatment/prophylactic candidates lined up, India's Zydus Cadila is unleashing all it can to combat the disease. Meanwhile, the firm has also offered an update on the state of its injectables and transdermals business in the US, which is contingent on resolving deficiencies at its Moraiya plant.

Pfizer is unlikely to tie up with Indian companies soon for manufacture of its COVID-19 vaccine as it has built capacity for the first phase. However, as discussions to supply to the COVAX facility and developing countries progress, it could evaluate such opportunities later.