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 Biology is opening up new frontiers in medicine. We are witnessing a revolution in healthcare, driven by advances in genetics, Omics, RNA and CRISPR gene-editing technology, to deliver precision and personalised medicine, said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics.
This holds the potential to cure genetic diseases that have plagued families for generations. In the not-so-distant future, diseases like cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and many forms of cancer will be things of the past, she added.
Today, the most ground breaking discoveries are happening in bioscience which has moved beyond the laboratory, permeating nearly every aspect of human existence, from medicine to agriculture, environmental conservation to the future of technology. We are not just studying life; we are leveraging its complex neural networks, immunological systems and metabolic pathways to create new technological solutions, said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw providing an industry perspective at the Global Bio-India event.
In this vision, India plays a pivotal role to lead this transformative journey. The convergence of its rich scientific talent, robust technological capabilities, entrepreneurial drive and unwavering commitment to sustainability has set the stage for India to emerge as a global bio-innovation hub.
Global Bio India is being held a time when biology is recognised as the most exciting and transformative fields of our time. More than ever before, biology has become the new frontier, a realm where we are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability in ways that were once unimaginable, she noted.
Even immunotherapy is rapidly replacing chemotherapy or radiation, as targeted and personalised treatments with reduced side effects, and increased survival rates. We must act with purpose to build an ecosystem that fosters innovation from our research institutions to industry, start-ups and global collaborations. We must nurture a culture that celebrates creativity, rewards risk-taking, and values the pursuit of excellence. The future we are building must be one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and where the power of biotechnology is harnessed for the greater good, said the Biocon and Biocon Biologicals chief.
Recognizing the potential of biotechnology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already laid down comprehensive policies, strategies, and roadmaps to establish a strong foundation for a robust bioeconomy.
For too long, India has primarily focused on scale, size, and market share. It is time to shift focus towards innovation to capture greater value. India's pharmaceuticals holds a substantial global market share in vaccines and generic drugs. As the world's third-largest medicine manufacturer by volume and the largest generics exporter, India provides cost-effective medicines worldwide. Remarkably, ‘one in three’ pills consumed in the US and ‘one in four’ in the UK are produced in India. Additionally, India accounts for 60% of global vaccine production, making it the largest global producer.
Despite these achievements, India ranks 14th in terms of value globally. With innovation, investing in R&D, and fostering intellectual property creation, India increase its value capture and ensure competitiveness in the long run, said Shaw.
Biology is the new frontier. It is increasingly interconnected working alongside computer scientists, engineers, and physicists to explore new possibilities. Bioinformatics and computational biology are helping to make sense of the vast data being generated by genomic research. Artificial intelligence is aiding in drug discovery and diagnostics, while bioengineering is creating living tissues and organs for transplantation. This convergence of biology with technology and engineering is giving rise to fields like synthetic biology and biotechnology. The future is interdisciplinary and through collaboration, we can unlock the potential of biology, said Shaw.
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