Move up the value chain, DCGI urges pharma firms

Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) M Vankateshwarlu appealed for a paradigm shift in the conventional thought of low-cost proposition among the India pharma stakeholders.

"In order to compete in the global arena, Indian pharma companies must offer something beyond the low-cost theme. We must stop competing the way we are. There is a need to identify other areas, compete on quality, systems and superiority in order to convert 'Advantage India' into tangible benefits," he said at the CII Pharma Summit 2006.'

While releasing a CII-KPMG study on 'India Pharma Inc - Competing Globally', the DCGI stressed on the need for regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to interact and interface on a common platform to debate, discuss and evolve a consensus on pending issues such as clinical trials.

He also said that making research more attractive was critical for growth. Indian companies need to go beyond just the cardiac and diabetes segments and address lifestyle and old age diseases, which have great potential for growth.

"There is a need for policies to be more proactive in nature. Above all, regulations should be evolved by consensus of stakeholders and in harmony with global regulations," he added.

Nicholas Piramal chief and chairman of CII Pharma Summit 2006 Ajay Piramal said the focus is on consolidating the learnings from last year's summit for India to move up the value chain through R&D analysis. "Many sectors of the pharma industry can have a global presence," he pointed out.

In a presentation, Brian Tempest, chief mentor and executive vice-chairman of Ranbaxy Laboratories, emphasised on India's R&D advantage. India has reached a turning point and this is the time to capitalise on the window of opportunity that is available, he said.