AI is set to revolutionize drug discovery, precision medicine, and healthcare innovation, experts say. Pharma leaders stress the need to revamp processes, not just digitize them, and emphasize the crucial role of robust data and technology foundations for effective AI integration. The 9th ‘India Pharma 2026’ event’s first day featured discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, regulators, and tech experts to shape the future of India’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sector.
The event’s inaugural session underscored the importance of bridging the gap between policy intentions and practical implementation. Manoj Joshi from the Department of Pharmaceuticals highlighted the need for an industry-driven R&D model, stronger government lab networks, and alignment of regulatory frameworks with European standards. Rajiv Bahl from the Department of Health Research emphasized the necessity of a unique R&D model for India, fostering trust between industry and academia.
Industry leaders at the event stressed the significance of increased venture capital funding, co-funding mechanisms, and better industry-academia collaboration to support research-driven enterprises. They also emphasized the need for integrated ecosystems to translate early-stage discoveries into global solutions. The subsequent sessions focused on establishing an efficient regulatory framework, exploring AI’s potential in the pharmaceutical sector, and India’s expanding role in global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organizations (CRDMO).
