Where does India’s opportunity lie in pharma’s new architecture?

The coming together of science, platforms and data is integrating innovation and setting new productivity benchmarks in pharma. 

The global pharmaceutical industry is currently experiencing a significant transformation in its operating model, moving away from traditional linear discovery processes to more dynamic, platform-based approaches. This shift is primarily driven by the emergence of novel drug pipelines, including biologics, RNA therapies, and advanced therapies, which introduce increased complexity throughout the value chain. As the industry evolves, the key challenge is transitioning from mere discovery to effective decision-making, evidence synthesis, and reliable program execution at scale. The role of AI in complex drug development is becoming increasingly vital, as it enhances the ability to navigate these challenges.

From products to platforms

Leading organizations are now focusing on platform-driven models that allow for the simultaneous development of multiple assets. By creating reusable scientific and digital platforms, these companies can leverage insights from one program to inform others, thereby reducing risk across portfolios and accelerating development cycles. The integration of AI into these operating models is crucial, as it facilitates seamless data flow across discovery, development, manufacturing, and quality control processes. This AI-driven pharma development is essential for optimizing the entire lifecycle of drug development, from target identification to trial planning.

Manufacturing as a strategic lever

As the industry adapts to these changes, manufacturing is emerging as a strategic lever in the new architecture of biopharma. Traditional batch-based, product-specific manufacturing plants are increasingly inadequate for the next generation of therapies. The industry is shifting toward modular, platform-style factories that utilize single-use systems, continuous processing, and advanced digital controls. These innovations enable faster scale-up, multi-product flexibility, and consistent quality—key factors as pipelines diversify and timelines shorten. The integration of manufacturing early in drug development is critical, as organizations that view their infrastructure as a strategic asset will gain a competitive edge in the evolving landscape.

The new paradigm

The orchestration of various stakeholders in the biopharma ecosystem is becoming more complex. A single therapy often involves numerous partners, including biotechs, contract research organizations (CROs), and regulatory bodies. Collaboration is now foundational, but effective orchestration—encompassing governance, interoperable systems, shared data, and aligned incentives—is essential for success. Many organizations struggle with fragmented data and legacy systems, which hinder decision-making and increase execution risks. As AI ambitions collide with compliance and data integrity requirements, digital transformation must prioritize resilience, trust, and speed.

Where India fits in

India's role in this evolving landscape presents a unique opportunity. Recognized for its manufacturing scale and regulatory expertise, India can leverage its strengths in engineering, data science, and process excellence to integrate science, digital intelligence, and manufacturing into cohesive systems. Recent policy initiatives are beginning to support advanced manufacturing and clinical development, positioning India’s contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and contract research and development organizations (CRDMOs) to evolve from capacity-led growth to technology-enabled execution.

To capitalize on this opportunity, India must move beyond isolated investments and foster integration across the biopharma ecosystem. Modular facilities should be paired with digital quality systems, and AI adoption must be grounded in validated data. Collaboration across industry, academia, startups, and policymakers must transition from transactional relationships to strategic partnerships that drive innovation and efficiency.