Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is actively considering conducting global clinical trials in India as part of its broader strategy to accelerate the launch of its innovative therapies in the country and beyond. The company’s India head, Ms. Annapurna Das, confirmed that Takeda is carefully evaluating India’s rapidly expanding clinical trials market, which is supported by diverse patient populations, cost advantages, and a growing network of hospitals that can support large-scale research.

According to Grand View Research, India’s clinical trials industry is projected to exceed ₹17,456 crore (US$ 2 billion) by 2030, making it one of the most attractive destinations for pharmaceutical companies aiming to reduce time-to-market for their new drugs. Takeda’s move aligns with the broader trend of global drugmakers increasingly looking at India not only as a commercial hub but also as a key centre for research and development.

Strengthening India’s role in global trials

Takeda’s strategic interest in India goes beyond cost savings. The country offers a unique advantage with its genetically diverse patient base, which is critical for evaluating the efficacy and safety of new treatments across different demographics. The company is also exploring partnerships with local academic institutions, healthcare providers, and technology firms to build a stronger ecosystem for innovation.

This approach underlines Takeda’s ambition to integrate India into its global research pipeline while simultaneously boosting local access to cutting-edge therapies. The pharmaceutical major is particularly focused on oncology, neuroscience, gastrointestinal health, and inflammation therapies, areas where unmet medical needs remain significant.

Upcoming launches in India

Takeda has already lined up several important product launches in India over the next two to three years. This includes a lung cancer drug expected to debut in the Indian market within 2025, and a dengue vaccine being developed in collaboration with local manufacturer Biological E., currently awaiting regulatory approval.

These launches are expected to have a major impact on patient outcomes in India, particularly given the country’s rising cancer burden and its frequent outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as dengue.

Expanding Takeda’s innovation footprint in India

To further strengthen its operations, Takeda has established an innovation centre in Bengaluru, which plays a crucial role in the company’s global digital transformation initiatives. The centre has seen its workforce grow from just over 500 to 750 employees, with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, engineering, and design. This facility not only supports Takeda’s India operations but also contributes to its worldwide R&D and technology ecosystem.

The innovation hub represents Takeda’s vision of positioning India as a centre for digital innovation in healthcare, leveraging local talent to build scalable global solutions.

India as a growth market for pharma

Takeda’s increasing investments and strategic interest in India underscore its recognition of the country as a long-term growth market. With a strong emphasis on R&D integration, digital innovation, and local partnerships, the company is setting the stage for accelerated drug development and greater patient access.

Experts note that India’s rise in the global pharmaceutical landscape is being driven by a combination of skilled scientific talent, cost competitiveness, a robust IT backbone, and favourable regulatory reforms that are gradually making it easier for foreign drugmakers to conduct trials and bring innovations to market.

The road ahead

Takeda’s evaluation of India for global trials reflects a paradigm shift in how pharmaceutical companies are viewing the country. No longer just a supplier of generic medicines, India is emerging as a strategic hub for drug discovery, advanced trials, and innovation-driven growth.

If Takeda proceeds with its plans, it could serve as a model for other global drugmakers seeking to accelerate product launches while integrating India into their global pipelines. This would also help boost India’s reputation as a credible and competitive location for conducting high-quality clinical research.

In conclusion, Takeda’s plans to leverage India for global clinical trials, product launches, and digital innovation highlight the increasingly central role of India in the global pharmaceutical ecosystem. For patients in India, this could translate into faster access to advanced treatments and vaccines, while for the company, it ensures sustainable growth and deeper integration into one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare markets.

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