Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. is actively exploring the possibility of conducting global clinical trials in India, aiming to fast-track the approval and availability of its innovative therapies in one of the world’s most populous markets. The announcement was made today by Annapurna Das, head of Takeda’s India operations.
India's clinical trials market is experiencing rapid expansion, supported by its diverse patient pools, cost advantages, and rapidly expanding hospital network. For Takeda, this presents a compelling opportunity to integrate India more deeply into its global R&D and drug development ecosystem.
Describing India as a “strategic growth market,” Das emphasized Takeda’s intent to make significant long-term investments in innovation and capabilities within the country. Plans are underway to explore partnerships with local academic institutions, healthcare providers, and technology firms, helping to build a vibrant pipeline of scientific innovation at the intersection of pharma and technology.
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Takeda plans to launch key cancer therapies in India over the next two to three years, beginning with a lung cancer drug slated for release this year. The company is also awaiting regulatory approval for a dengue vaccine, developed in collaboration with Biological E. If approved, this could significantly enhance India’s vaccine portfolio and public health preparedness.
Takeda’s plan to conduct global clinical trials in India could speed up drug launches, cut R&D costs, and streamline regulatory approvals. For Indian patients, it promises earlier access to advanced therapies such as lung cancer drugs and the potential dengue vaccine. By expanding its Bengaluru innovation center and fostering partnerships with local healthcare providers and academic institutions, Takeda strengthens India’s role as a hub for pharma innovation and digital transformation. Globally, this strategy highlights India’s growing importance as a cost-efficient clinical trial destination and sets a precedent for other pharmaceutical multinationals to follow.
Earlier this year, Takeda set up an innovation center in Bengaluru, dubbed India’s “Silicon Valley,” to fuel its global digital transformation. The center’s workforce focused on AI, data science, engineering, and design is being expanded from just over 500 to around 750 employees. This expansion underscores the firm’s ambition to harness India’s tech talent for global impact.
Takeda’s decision to explore global trials in India marks a pivotal shift in how multinational pharmaceutical firms may optimize clinical development strategies. Through strategic investments and innovation partnerships, Takeda could redefine timelines and access for critical therapies in oncology and vaccines. For India, this approach stands to enhance its stature in the global pharma ecosystem, catalyzing growth, expertise, and patient outcomes.
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