Indian Pharma Industry Can Develop 100 New Drugs by 2047: Zydus Chairman

The chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, Pankaj R Patel, stated on Friday that the Indian pharmaceutical industry can produce 100 new drugs for global markets by 2047, supported by improved research and development initiatives. While addressing an event, he emphasized the importance of innovation, developing capabilities, and prioritizing societal benefits. "I believe India can deliver 100 new chemical entities or new drugs to the world by 2047 and off course, it will require effort," Patel stated during the SOUL leadership conclave 2025.

He described it as a misconception that drug discovery costs a billion dollars, stressing that it can be achieved with the correct method. Patel further emphasized that the employees in an organization are its greatest asset and advocated for a setting where individuals enjoy their work. He also stressed the changing nature of leadership, underscoring the significance of humility, vision, and a worldwide viewpoint. Patel also recounted experiences, such as the Prime Minister's swift action regarding COVID-19 and the organization's rapid development of a vaccine. "I think this is the best time to be young. I would say that because where India is placed, is better placed today than it has been in my whole career, and the way that we are as an economy, then as the sort of leadership that we have, and we are seeing that we are standing out in the world," he noted.

He emphasized the significance of welcoming challenges, appreciating failures, and creating a space where individuals can flourish. During a conversation on the margins of the event, Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Piramal Group, remarked that the nation is progressing in the correct direction.