Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta

Abstract

An Analysis of Indian Pharma Trade and Future Challenges

Rajesh Kumar

It was argued in the context economic reforms in pharmaceuticals sector, particularly in the context of changing patent regime, that growth in exports would be restricted, imports would get a flip and balance of trade would be adversely affected. The work looks into the recent experience in exports and imports of drugs and pharmaceutical products. It is found that there is a tremendous growth in the exports. The focus of exports has shifted from intermediates and bulk drugs to formulations. The expiry of patents on drugs worth billions of dollars in the near future would provide a big opportunity for Indian generic producers. The removal of ratio parameter linking the production of intermediates and bulk drugs to the production of formulations has eliminated compulsions on the indigenous production of intermediates and bulk drugs.