India emerges as leader in global vaccine market: Govt

Country's bio-pharmaceutical sector is valued at $26 billion

India has emerged as a global leader in vaccines with about one-third share of the total market, a senior government official said today.

"India's share in global vaccine market is consistently increasing and at present the country contributes more than 33% in the global market," Additional Secretary in Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers V K Subburaj said.

He was speaking at 'Biopharmaceutical Conference 2013' organised by industry body Ficci and the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

India's bio-pharmaceutical sector is valued at $26 billion and it is one of the fastest growing knowledge based areas with growth of 20% in last few years, he added.

Ensuring government support to the sector, Subburaj said: "The department aims to facilitate increased output through advisory support and strengthening of public-private partnerships."

He also emphasised on the Indian specific innovation models for the bio-pharma research.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) Chairman C P Singh said that Indian biotech industry is all set to emerge as hub for clinical and biological services, and custom research.

"Attracting and retaining talent with technical and managerial skills will be the focused area for the bio- pharmaceutical industry in India," Singh said.

The sector needs skilled manpower in product management, research and development, clinical trials, quality assurance and intellectual property.