Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda Pharmaceutical is exploring the possibility of conducting global clinical trials in India to accelerate the launch of its innovative therapies in the world's most populous nation, according to the company's India head. This strategic move comes as India's clinical trials market experiences significant growth, driven by diverse patient populations, cost efficiency, and an expanding hospital network.
"India is a strategic growth market for Takeda, and we are making significant long-term investments... in terms of innovation and building capabilities," said Annapurna Das, general manager of Takeda's India operations. The company is actively evaluating opportunities to leverage India's clinical trial ecosystem, though Das noted that "at this point of time, we are still kind of exploring and evaluating how we want to go ahead."
Growing Clinical Trials Market
India's clinical trials market is experiencing robust expansion, with Grand View Research projecting it will exceed $2 billion by 2030. This growth is powered by the country's diverse patient pools, cost-effective operations, and rapidly expanding healthcare infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for global pharmaceutical companies seeking to conduct research and development activities.
Strategic Pipeline Integration
Takeda's eventual goal is to integrate India's research and development ecosystem into its global pipeline while expanding Indian patients' access to cutting-edge therapies across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, neuroscience, gastrointestinal health, and inflammation. The company is also open to partnering with local academia, healthcare providers, and technology firms to advance innovation, though specific partnership details were not disclosed.
Upcoming Drug Launches
The Japanese drugmaker has outlined ambitious launch plans for the Indian market over the next two to three years. A lung cancer drug is ready to hit the market this year, representing a significant addition to India's oncology treatment options. Additionally, Takeda has a dengue vaccine in its launch pipeline, developed through a partnership with local vaccine manufacturer Biological E., which is currently awaiting approval from India's drug regulator.
Digital Innovation Hub
Supporting its broader strategic objectives, Takeda established an innovation center in Bengaluru earlier this year, capitalizing on India's reputation as a technology hub. The center is undergoing significant expansion, growing from just over 500 employees to 750 staff members specializing in artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, and design. This facility is designed to power Takeda's global digital transformation initiatives, demonstrating the company's commitment to leveraging India's technical expertise for worldwide operations.
The strategic focus on India reflects Takeda's recognition of the country's increasing importance in global pharmaceutical research and innovation, as well as its potential as a key growth market for innovative therapies.
