Indian pharma industry’s pandemic response | Economic Times

How has the Indian pharma industry fared in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic? To help you understand it better, we are organising an e-conference on November 24 at 4 pm. In case you haven’t registered yet, click here to reserve your seat.The Covid-19 outbreak has shaken the world, with over a million deaths. India is facing a tough time, and the most crucial role is being played by the healthcare industry. While at its peak, the country’s hospitals struggled hard to handle the surge in the flow of patients, and the pharmaceutical industry had a tough time staving off supply challenges of raw materials. Then, there were shortages of key drugs used to treat Covid-19. How did the industry manage the crisis, and what are the lessons for the future? Will the pharmaceutical industry emerge stronger?An esteemed panel, comprising some of the who’s who of the pharma industry, will answer these questions and give their valuable insights.The e-conference will be hosted by Vikas Dandekar, editor, pharma and healthcare, ET Prime.Here’s a brief profile of our panelists for the event:Pankaj R Patel, chairman, Zydus CadilaWith over 40 years in the pharma industry, Pankaj Patel has both research and techno-commercial expertise. He is on the board of the Indian Institute of Science for 2018-21 and the boards of Invest India and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.Samina Hamied, executive vice-chairperson, CiplaSamina Hamied represents the third generation of the founding family of Cipla. She has incubated and shaped Cipla Health Limited; spearheaded Cipla’s foray into the US; and built a top-class leadership pipeline for the company. In her current role, she focuses on board and governance issues, global partnerships, corporate culture, hiring, and public advocacy.Satish Reddy, president, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, and chairman, Dr. Reddy’s LaboratoriesSatish Reddy has led the transition of Dr. Reddy’s from an API manufacturer to a company with a diverse product portfolio of finished dosage formulations. As a member of industry associations and governmental panels, he has played a key role in shaping policies on patent law, drug pricing, and amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.Sudarshan Jain, secretary general, Indian Pharmaceutical AllianceSudarshan Jain has a rich healthcare-business experience of over 40 years, including stints at Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, and leading Indian companies. He has helped shape healthcare policy and improve access to healthcare. Jain is a certified executive coach.You can also check out a handpicked collection of our rich body of work on the contagion.MNCs are in awe of Serum Institute’s clout in vaccines. It’s now on the cusp of raising the bar.A calamity and series of slip-ups: how ICMR took decisions aimed at building a façade and false hopeIntas is betting on an antibody booster shot to fight the virus. The best part: it’s not for profit.India readies to fight Covid-19 with vaccine, but immunising a huge population will be an uphill taskWhy the race to find an antidote against this wily virus goes beyond labs, research, and trialsAs wary patients skip hospitals, Portea, et al. get cure to homes. 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Here’s a reality check.How the virus gave the Maximum City a big black eyeA tale of clinical and other trials: Gilead’s anti-virus drug has a long battle to fight — beyond the labA pandemic-busting drug will come at a price. Here’s how differential pricing can ensure access.Gasping for breath: As caseload rises, rational use of ventilators becomes critical in the virus warWhere there’s a pill, there’s a way: In health crises, Indian pharma can play its global trump cardViruses have always breached human defence. Nothing suggests the future will be any different.We have to save our doctors, nurses, and paramedics. They are our only hope against this wicked enemy.Three waves of the deadly virus and Kerala’s inspiring fightback: a story in eight graphicsClutching at straws, policymakers back hydroxychloroquine use in contagion battle. Safety, see you later.The coronavirus danger nobody is talking about: the big holes in India’s testing systemsIndia restricts drug exports, but without Chinese supplies, stocks may dry up anywayKill, escape, strike again: how wily viruses are becoming a nightmare for vaccine companiesThe coronavirus effect: Dependence on Chinese raw materials puts Indian drug makers at riskJust a sneeze away, coronavirus could put India’s health-emergency readiness to its toughest test