Biopharma Shakti | UPSC
Biopharma Shakti represents a strategic push to scale up India’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing, research and clinical development, fostering innovation, reducing import reliance and positioning the country as a key global player in advanced medicines.
Here are the key highlights of India’s Biopharma Shakti programme, a major initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 to strengthen the biopharmaceutical sector:
1. Major Funding Commitment: The government has allocated ₹10,000 crore (about USD 1.2 billion) over the next five years to support the programme.
2. Aim: Build a Global Biopharma Hub. The initiative aims to make India a global manufacturing and innovation hub for biologics and biosimilars — advanced medicines used to treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and other complex conditions.
3. Institutional and Talent Network. Three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) will be established. Seven existing institutes will be upgraded to strengthen research, education and skills in biopharma.
4. Clinical Trials Expansion: A nationwide network of 1,000+ accredited clinical trial sites will be created to speed up drug development, improve research capacity, and make India an attractive destination for global clinical studies.
5. Regulatory Strengthening: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will be strengthened with a dedicated scientific review cadre and specialist expertise to align drug approvals with global standards and reduce timelines.
6. End-to-End Ecosystem Development: The programme focuses on building a complete ecosystem—from research and talent development to manufacturing, regulation and clinical validation—to reduce import dependence and boost domestic capabilities.
7. Boosting Innovation & Economic Impact: By promoting advanced R&D, supporting high-value biologics and biosimilars, and enhancing regulatory and manufacturing infrastructure, Biopharma Shakti is expected to help India transition from a supplier of generic drugs to a leader in complex biopharmaceuticals, improving healthcare outcomes and global competitiveness.
