Green is the new black - the Green API Production boosting Indian APIs Market

Manufacturers have an opportunity to add value to their portfolios as India seeks to increase its global share of the API market. The transition to green chemistry has been a major focus. R&D in the API space has resulted in the development of novel synthetic routes as well as more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. Flow chemistry and green chemistry have also gained prominence as more sustainable approaches are demanded by both the market and regulations. “We are constantly working on process developments with an eye toward environmental safety, and we impose strict control over our effluents,” said Arun Doshi, chairman and managing director of Surya Lifesciences.

As manufacturers seek to add value through green or specialized products, there are numerous opportunities in the API markets. There has also been a trend of formulation companies expanding into API production and vice versa, which is expected to increase industry security. This move will almost certainly add value to India’s pharmaceutical sector and contribute to the country’s vision of becoming a more specialized and customised industry.

The continued expansion of India’s API sector, particularly through increased exports, is expected to directly benefit the country’s excipients and intermediates producers. According to Beroe, India’s excipients market is currently growing at a rate of 10% to 12%, which is twice as fast as the global average.

The advancement of functional excipients- increased uptake of biologics, and rising adoption of orphan drugs are factors driving growth in both the Indian and global excipient markets. Many companies are putting more emphasis on excipients to address issues like segregation, low dissolution, and poor bioavailability.

Price remains an important consideration when selecting an excipient supplier, and India’s high excipient market growth rate can be attributed to the fact that products are 5% to 7% less expensive than in the developed world. However, in an industry that demands perfection, quality and product safety will always be paramount. “Safe and multifunctional excipients are critical,” said Chitra Shah of Arihant Innochem. “As machine technology advances, excipients with superior performance to withstand the rigours of the manufacturing process while delivering a robust formulation are in high demand.” This, combined with the stringent requirements to meet safety and toxicology limits, makes working in the excipient innovation space very appealing.

The flavour of the day is newer applications for the same excipient, improved morphology, and the use of the same excipient in a different route of administration. Hot melt extrusion, nanotechnology, implants, and injectable deliveries are some of the areas where excipient-based innovations are being explored, and pulmonary delivery, along with nutraceuticals, is another focus area.”

With demand for excipients expected to rise over the next decade, Indian firms will need to stay on top of the increasingly stringent regulations enforced by multiple regulatory bodies across key markets, as well as the technological demands brought on by Pharma 4.0, to remain competitive on a global scale.