The arrival of an indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, a shot at GLP-1s and Parkinson’s disease, strides into adjacencies and an “easy revenue stream” formula for products set to lose exclusivity are some of the striking developments seen playing out in India. Industry leaders, including Cipla’s CEO, share their views with Scrip on some of the key trends in the first instalment of this two-part roundup.

In 2024, Sun Pharma’s ADC candidate is expected to be in human trials, while CDMOs like Piramal Pharma Solutions and Aurigene are to operationalize significant new capacities. But can India compensate for a late start on the ADC journey by tapping low development costs and favorable policies, or is it too little with China far ahead in the race?

Since FDA has approved Sezaby there is no reason for continued use of unapproved phenobarbital sodium products, firm tells FDA. Sun cites risks to neonates from three excipients in these products. The seizure drug has been marketed since 1940.

The heads of Sun, Cipla, Zydus, Lupin and Dr. Reddy's discuss moves to drive innovation including equity stakes for academia in research ventures as India approves an apex body to promote, fund and mentor research. Ways to progress ESG goals were also discussed at the IPA summit.