India: Pharmacy of the World
The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) represents 23 national research-based companies. Collectively, IPA member companies account for over 85% of the private sector investment in pharmaceutical research and development. They contribute over 80% of pharmaceutical exports and serve nearly 65% of the domestic market. This makes IPA a key voice in shaping the future of both Indian and global healthcare.
The Access–Affordability Equation
Balancing access and affordability remain central to the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance’s mission of advancing healthcare outcomes. IPA has been at the forefront of advocating for a pricing and regulatory framework that ensures quality medicines remain accessible to all, while still enabling the industry to invest in next-generation research and therapies.
Maintaining this balance is essential to meeting public health priorities without compromising the sector’s long-term sustainability. A critical step in this journey is the modernization of Schedule M, India’s core standard for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Now being upgraded to meet WHO-GMP benchmarks, this reform aims to raise quality standards across the industry.
Equitable Innovation Through Patent Policy
Founded in 1999 under the leadership of Dilip G Shah (1941–2019), an industry veteran and first alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, IPA was established to represent the Indian pharmaceutical industry’s issues that advocate for a balanced and inclusive intellectual property framework.
When the Indian Patents Act of 1970 was amended in 2005, It played a pivotal role in safeguarding access to medicines by influencing the wording of Section 3(d) clause to prevent patent ever-greening, ensuring that patents promoted innovations but did not extend monopolies by making trivial changes to existing innovations.
Our mission is bold and urgent: by 2047, India must evolve from being the pharmacy of the world to a global innovation powerhouse. Together, we strive to deliver 100 new medicines by India’s centenary and strengthen a self-reliant healthcare ecosystem.
Dr. Sharvil Patel
President, IPA
Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences
Our ambition is to become a global innovation engine—delivering high-quality, affordable, patient-centric solutions. Strengthening the industry's voice is key as we build regulatory excellence, and collaborate for global health progress.
Mr. Glenn Saldanha
Vice President, IPA
Chairman and Managing Director, Glenmark
IPA drives strategic conversations on policy, pricing, trade, quality, and innovation — with one goal: equitable access to affordable medicines. By 2047, India’s pharma industry is poised to reach $450–500 billion, placing it at the heart of global healthcare.
Mr. Sudarshan Jain
Secretary General
Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance
IPA - Leading through the COVID-19 Pandemic
World’s Largest Vaccination Drive
India administered over 2.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, demonstrating unmatched scale and coordination.
Global Pharmacy in Action
India supplied vital COVID-19 medicines and vaccines to 150+ countries, reinforcing its position as the Pharmacy of the World.
24/7 Manufacturing Continuity
IPA member companies kept essential production running through lockdowns, leveraging domestic resilience and indigenous supply chains.
Regulatory Agility
Rapid coordination with authorities enabled emergency approvals and access to critical drugs, PPE, and diagnostics — without compromising safety.
World’s Largest Vaccination Drive
India administered over 2.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, demonstrating unmatched scale and coordination.
24/7 Manufacturing Continuity
IPA member companies kept essential production running through lockdowns, leveraging domestic resilience and indigenous supply chains.
Global Pharmacy in Action
India supplied vital COVID-19 medicines and vaccines to 150+ countries, reinforcing its position as the Pharmacy of the World.
Regulatory Agility
Rapid coordination with authorities enabled emergency approvals and access to critical drugs, PPE, and diagnostics — without compromising safety.
Public–Private Collaboration
IPA companies partnered with the government, scientists, and logistics networks to scale oxygen production, strengthen supply chains, and support healthcare infrastructure.