How the pharmaceutical R&D crisis is reshaping the contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS) industry The rise of India as top spot for chemistry outsourcing

摘要

It is widely agreed that pharmaceutical R&D has entered a phase of crisis, characterized by diminishing returns, spiralling costs and the threat of generic competition. These challenges have prompted a global restructuring of the industry and a reassessment of its R&D operations. The contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS) industry has played a pivotal role in partnering with pharma and biotech companies to provide chemistry services and advance their drug candidates. CRAMS organizations too have to adjust to the on-going R&D restructuring in a context of fierce global competition. This transformation has clearly highlighted the rise of Indian CRAMS organizations, which have emerged as leaders for API manufacturing and the provision of more complex chemistry services. This article will highlight the main features of the Indian CRAMS sector in the current R&D transformational setting, with its promises and challenges.