Shahid Akhter, editor, ETHealthworld, spoke to Sandeep Jain, Joint M.D, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceutical, to know more about the challenges and opportunities associated with contract manufacturing of drugs.
Contract manufacturing in the pharma industry: Emerging trends
The landscape of contract manufacturing in the Indian pharmaceutical industry has evolved significantly in recent years. Outsourcing has become more prevalent as pharmaceutical companies seek cost reductions and concentrate on their core competencies. Contract manufacturers have responded to this demand by offering a wide range of services, including manufacturing, packaging, and development services. The increasing complexity of drug development, particularly with the emergence of newer molecules and drugs, has also contributed to the need for specialised expertise and resources, which contract manufacturers can provide.
Regulatory scrutiny and a greater emphasis on quality have further highlighted the importance of contract manufacturers who can demonstrate their commitment to high standards. As a result, contract manufacturers have become integral to the development and manufacturing of new drugs, with their role expected to continue growing in the future. The expanding generics market in India presents significant opportunities for contract manufacturers specialising in generic drug production. Additionally, as Indian pharmaceutical companies invest more in research and development, there is a growing need for contract manufacturers who can offer drug discovery and development services. The globalisation of the Indian pharmaceutical industry has also opened doors for contract manufacturers to export their services to other countries.
Areas that will shape the contract manufacturing landscape moving forward?
Advances in manufacturing technologies, such as continuous manufacturing and digitalization, will shape the future of contract manufacturing. Companies that can leverage these technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure quality will have a competitive edge.
The global demand for generic drugs is rising due to factors such as patent expirations, healthcare cost containment efforts, and increased access to affordable medications. Contract manufacturers with expertise in generic drug manufacturing will have significant opportunities to serve this growing market, especially in regions such as India that are known for their strength in generic pharmaceutical production. The ability to navigate diverse regulatory environments, cultural nuances, and logistical challenges will also be essential for contract manufacturers aiming to expand their reach and serve multinational pharmaceutical companies.
Collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and contract manufacturers will become more strategic and integrated. Instead of traditional buyer-supplier relationships, closer partnerships will form, involving collaborative R&D efforts, joint technology development, and knowledge sharing. This type of collaboration will enable seamless integration of manufacturing processes, accelerate time-to-market, and drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Akum’s contract manufacturing services
Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals is a leading Indian pharmaceutical company that has been in operation for over 18 years. We’re the largest contract manufacturer for formulations in India, with a wide spectrum of dosage forms and therapeutic segments. At Akums, we have a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The company’s 15 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, equipped with the latest technology and quality control measures, are dedicated to oral solid dosage forms (with separate units for beta lactum and non-beta lactum formulations), oral liquid dosage forms, sterile dosage forms (injectable, eye, ear, and nasal), hormonal (oral and injectable), ointments and cosmetics, ayurvedic, food supplements and nutraceuticals, and animal health care products, as API. Akums manufactures more than 12% of India’s total drug consumption.
Akum’s regulatory compliance and quality standards
To ensure regulatory compliance and maintain quality standards in manufacturing operations, Akums implements a series of robust quality control measures. We conduct detailed ingredient analysis in our Research Laboratory to verify that raw materials meet the highest standards before use. Our commitment to sourcing top-quality products includes screening and approving suppliers, followed by accurate inspections of deliveries to uphold regulatory authority standards.
We maintain a strong international quality management system, focusing on exceeding stakeholders’ expectations and regulatory requirements. We continuously improve our processes to meet and exceed customer expectations, collaborate with regulatory agencies to strengthen quality systems, and support innovative solutions for improved drug processes and patient access to safe medicines.
