CHIRAYU AMIN |
Chairman & CEO |
"Our strategically focused business initiatives will enable us to reinforce our
standing within the industry in India as well as globally, yielding superior returns in
the ensuing years."
Dear shareholders,
I am honoured to communicate with you through the Annual Report. Our journey over the
decades has been characterised by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to
delivering healthcare solutions for millions of individuals worldwide. As we navigate the
complexities of our global landscape, increasingly affected by the challenges of
progressive climate change, heightened human conflict, and protectionist policies, our
dedication to these principles remains resolute.
Fiscal 2025 represented a period of recalibration and thoughtful innovation. Our
research and development-driven commercial strategy, together with an integrated operating
model, enabled us to navigate effectively through an environment characterised by
geopolitical uncertainties while maintaining stable performance. Furthermore, we fortified
our core business, ventured into new opportunities, and established ambitious goals for
long-term sustainable growth. As we progress, we will maintain a rigorous focus on
disciplined execution and operational efficiency in light of ongoing macroeconomic
uncertainties.
DEFINING TRENDS IN THE GLOBAL PHARMA SPACE
Given advancements in technology and our understanding of diseases, we can envisage a
world where drug manufacturers and health systems harness today's wealth of data to drive
unprecedented levels of scientific innovation and personalised care.
Industry practitioners largely agree on the key trends shaping the future of pharma. As
shifts in the broader health ecosystem unfold, five immediate dynamics stand out in
determining the pharma business model of the future:
Exponential impacts of AI
The technological breakthrough will fundamentally alter how work is executed and
decisions are rendered. The outcomes may encompass enhanced predictions, accelerated
actions, and superior results. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to empower the
organisations in the future.
Rapid acceleration in what we know about human biology
Integrating data and computational power has facilitated a deeper understanding of the
human body. This improved comprehension is poised to enhance the identification of risk
factors, reveal novel pathways for treatment, and propel the discovery of groundbreaking
pharmaceuticals.
Continued push to cut drug prices
Globally, including within the premium-priced United States market, efforts are
intensifying to mitigate the cost of pharmaceuticals. The strategies employed to exert
pressure encompass direct government intervention, such as the Infiation Reduction Act,
and competitive pricing tactics within the commercial market, capitalising on the expanded
array of treatment options.
Empowered consumers
Many consider their health a paramount concern due to its significant influence on
personal finances and overall quality of life. In the foreseeable future, consumers will
possess enhanced access to their data, including genetic history and biomarker information
derived from wearable devices, as well as applications such as ChatGPT, to inform their
decision-making processes. Furthermore, their involvement in the decision-making landscape
and their expectations for value are anticipated to rise.
Crisis as a way of life
The next era of volatility in the world unfolds, owing to devastating cyber-attacks,
geopolitical unrest, natural disasters and societal polarisation among the trends driving
a new era of global volatility.
The trends above will necessitate fundamental changes in the pharmaceutical market,
alongside anticipated policy and regulatory shifts implemented by newly elected
governments worldwide.
WHAT INDIA NEEDS TO DO TO CAPITALISE ON GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
India's manufacturing capabilities, cost-e_ectiveness, and highly skilled workforce
have established it as a leader in the global pharmaceutical sector. To capitalise on
growth opportunities arising out of these emerging trends, the domestic pharma sector will
need to: 1) Unleash pharma's value-driven research and innovation potential In the global
arena, India's forthcoming frontier shall concentrate on disruptive innovation.
Establishing a resilient innovation ecosystem designed to promote collaborative engagement
among various stakeholders will be pivotal in facilitating this transition towards
value-driven innovation.
2) Become an integral part of the futuristic global pharma supply chain Manufacturing
and supply chain management are crucial in the pharmaceutical industry. Recent trends,
including pricing, technology implementation, sustainable practices, personalised
therapies, and innovative healthcare models, have increased complexities in operations.
These trends require a shift in priorities and a transformation of the sector. This
evolving landscape, shaped by macroeconomic shifts and geopolitical developments,
positions India at the forefront of the China+1' opportunity.
THE EVOLVING DOMESTIC MARKET
The pharmaceutical industry in India stands at a pivotal juncture. In recent years, the
growth rate, measured in rupee terms, has softened to mid-single digits. For
pharmaceutical enterprises to flourish within the domestic context, enhanced adaptability
and flexibility will be essential for achieving success in this ever-evolving environment,
as traditional go-to-market models face disruption and the manner of customer engagement
has undergone a significant change.
Changing Government and Regulatory Landscape
As healthcare ascends to a prominent position on the policy agenda, effective
collaboration with government entities will significantly influence the future trajectory
of the sector. The tightening of policies and expedited regulatory approvals has led to
heightened competition, necessitating that companies achieve precision and accuracy from
the outset (first-time-right). Furthermore, with intensified scrutiny from regulators, an
emphasis on quality assurance and control has become increasingly imperative.
Shifting industry dynamics
The industry is experiencing a notable series of transformations, characterised by
transitioning from the "Make in India" initiative to the "Develop in
India" paradigm. This evolution is accompanied by heightened globalisation, an
increasing focus on rural markets, an emphasis on value addition as opposed to mere
pricing, and a shift from a competitive to a collaborative mindset, particularly evidenced
by the convergence of sectors including Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, and Disposables.
The emergence of New GTM Models
Pharmaceutical organisations are transforming alignment with Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
(FMCG) and consumer-oriented enterprises; the management of various channels and consumer
bases is becoming progressively vital. The increasing prominence of pharmacists compared
to physicians, alongside the empowerment of patients, serves as a significant driving
force.
Digital - Backbone of Transformation
Digitisation will be crucial in altering the sector and integrating the ecosystem. To
maintain competitiveness, companies must exhibit agility in adapting to the evolving
relationship dynamics instigated by new digital entrants and invest in data and analytics
capabilities.
HOW WE STAND
I am pleased to convey that we have made significant progress in aligning our business
operations with key trends poised to influence the pharmaceutical industry in India and
globally. Our augmented research and development budgets for creating niche formulations,
steadfast commitment to quality, successful FDA audit compliance, time-tested supply
chain, and investments in advanced technological solutions will enable us to better
capitalise on emerging opportunities, ultimately yielding superior returns. Furthermore,
our ongoing communication and collaboration with leaders in the pharmaceutical industry
will facilitate our ability to keep pace with evolving sector dynamics and proactively
adjust our strategies as necessary.
As we move forward, we are committed to creating a sustainable and prosperous future
for all our stakeholders. Your continued support and trust are invaluable to us, and we
look forward to achieving many more milestones together.
For our India branded business, which is key business vertical, we have repurposed our
processes supported by digital technology to make our customer engagements more meaningful
and our operations more agile and efficient.
Regards, |
CHIRAYU AMIN |
Chairman & CEO |