₹5,000 CRORE PHARMA R&D SCHEME PORTAL LAUNCHED

Why in the News?

New launch: The Department of Pharmaceuticals launched an online portal under the ₹5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP)
Research push: Aims to boost domestic R&D in pharma and medtech sectors where India lags despite being a global generic drug leader.
Funding support: Portal will help startups and companies easily apply for government-backed R&D assistance.

Two components: (1) Strengthening research infrastructure via Centres of Excellence in 7 NIPERs; (2) Promoting research in six priority areas including drug discovery, rare diseases, and medical devices.
Financial aid: Startups can get up to ₹1 crore, larger firms up to ₹125 crore, based on R&D milestones.
Academic collaboration: Also encourages industry-academia partnerships to accelerate innovation.

Low spending: India spends only $3 billion on pharma R&D, far behind US ($60B) and China ($20B).
Export-driven market: India’s $50 billion pharma market includes $26.5 billion in exports, yet domestic innovation remains weak.
Strategic aim: PRIP intends to bridge the innovation gap and make India a hub for advanced pharma technologies.

● Global status: India is the largest provider of generic medicines, supplying 20% of global demand.

● Key bodies: Institutions like CDSCO, NIPER, and NPPA regulate drugs, education, and pricing.

● Growth drivers: Strong API manufacturing, skilled workforce, and growing medical needs domestically and abroad.

● Challenges: Low R&D spend, overdependence on China for raw materials, and lack of breakthrough innovation.

● Government steps: PLI schemes, PRIP, and bulk drug parks are being promoted to boost self-reliance and innovation.