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‘Naprod Life Science leads India's self-reliant surge in global cancer drug market’


Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 08:00 Hrs  [IST]

In a significant stride towards self-reliance, Naprod Life Science is at the forefront of India's burgeoning pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the production of high-quality cancer medicines. Operating in over 40 regulated markets worldwide, the company exemplifies India's capability to meet global demand with innovative and affordable healthcare solutions. Mohan Jain, Director of Naprod Life Science in an exclusive interview with Shardul Nautiyal discusses Naprod's competitive edge, the importance of an integrated supply chain, and future plans to expand their footprint in regulated markets while navigating the challenges of the global pharmaceutical landscape. Excerpts:

Naprod Life Science operates in over 40 countries with regulated markets. Could you provide some perspective on your competition with Japanese companies and your facility's standards?
Our facilities are accredited for Europe, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico regulatory standards. We focus on markets with stringent regulatory requirements. Our exports account for 15% of our total output, demonstrating our robust international presence. Competing with Japanese companies, known for their high standards, pushes us to continuously improve our quality and compliance measures.

How does Naprod Life Science manage its export market and supply chain? Are there any specific challenges you face?
Our export strategy is supported by an integrated supply chain, particularly for oncology and anesthesia products. The availability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is crucial, and we source many from our own facilities or the Indian market. Some fermentation-based molecules are still sourced from China, but the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in India aims to make these available domestically soon. Our supply chain faces challenges like geopolitical issues affecting freight charges and delivery schedules. We negotiate with buyers to manage these costs and ensure timely delivery.

What advancements have you seen in cancer care, and how does Naprod Life Science contribute to this field?
Over the past decade, advancements in diagnostic tools and the availability of medicines have significantly improved early detection and treatment of cancer, enhancing patient survival and quality of life. Government policies like PMJAY have made healthcare more accessible and affordable. Naprod Life Science focuses on quality and compliance, ensuring our oncology products are of the highest standard and available on time. This commitment helps us stay competitive and meet the growing demand for specialized cancer treatments.

What are the key differentiators for Naprod Life Science in the competitive pharma market?
Our key differentiators are backward integration and compliance. We ensure the availability of high-quality APIs and adhere to stringent regulatory standards, making our production scalable and reliable. Our integrated approach, from R&D to marketing, and our focus on specialized products, give us a competitive edge.

How does India stand in terms of producing quality cancer drugs, and what role does Naprod Life Science play?
India is a significant player in the global cancer drug market, known for producing high-quality, affordable medicines. Naprod Life Science contributes by manufacturing specialized oncology drugs and maintaining stringent quality controls. Our backward integration ensures a steady supply of APIs, and we collaborate with foreign companies to enhance our offerings. This positions us well to meet global demand.

Could you elaborate on Naprod Life Science's business model and its sustainability?
Our business model focuses on introducing new molecules annually and leveraging current manufacturing technologies. We collaborate with various partners for R&D and contract manufacturing, ensuring a continuous pipeline of innovative products. Our high level of plant automation and adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP) support our sustainability and scalability.

How do you view the recent changes in regulatory standards and the role of technology in your operations?
Regulatory standards are evolving, incorporating new components like computer systems in GMP. We stay ahead by continually upgrading our technology and ensuring compliance. Our plants are highly automated, with around 70% of operations managed through advanced software and machinery. This not only meets global standards but also enhances our efficiency and reliability.

What are your long-term plans and vision for Naprod Life Science?
Our long-term vision is to expand our presence in regulated markets, particularly in Europe, South Africa, and Australia. We aim to develop complex generic medicines and collaborate with startups for innovative biotherapeutics. By integrating our strengths with those of agile startups, we can bring advanced treatments to market more quickly.

How do you handle the challenges in the anesthesia market, and what are your future plans in this segment?
The anesthesia market is growing, driven by increasing hospital segments and government schemes promoting accessibility and affordability. We started focusing on anesthesia products in 1999 and have since built a strong presence. We continue to innovate and expand our product range to meet rising demand.

How do you see India’s role as the "Pharmacy of the World," and what steps are being taken to enhance this position?
India's role as the "Pharmacy of the World" is supported by the government's initiatives to standardize practices and promote high-quality manufacturing. With increasing collaborations, regulatory support, and a focus on innovative R&D, Indian companies are well-positioned to meet global pharmaceutical needs. Naprod Life Science is committed to contributing to this vision by maintaining high standards and expanding our global footprint.

 
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