Japan's Takeda weighs India for global trials to speed up drug launches

Japanese drugmaker Takeda Pharmaceutical is exploring conducting global clinical trials in India to speed up the launch of its innovative therapies in the country, its India head told Reuters. The move comes as India’s clinical trials market expands, driven by diverse patient pools, cost efficiency, and a rapidly growing hospital network. Grand View Research projects the market to exceed Rs. 17,456 crore (US$ 2 billion) by 2030. General manager of Takeda India, Ms. Annapurna Das, said the company is evaluating opportunities to leverage India’s clinical trial ecosystem and is open to partnerships with local academia, healthcare providers, and technology firms to advance innovation. Takeda’s goal is to integrate India’s research and development ecosystem into its global pipeline while expanding patient access to therapies in oncology, neuroscience, gastrointestinal health, and inflammation. 

Takeda plans to launch several key therapies in India over the next two to three years, including a lung cancer drug this year and a dengue vaccine in partnership with local manufacturer Biological E., awaiting approval from India’s drug regulator. The company recently established an innovation centre in Bengaluru, expanding from just over 500 to 750 employees, specialising in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, engineering, and design to support its global digital transformation. This strategic focus on India underscores Takeda’s long-term commitment to the country as a growth market. It reflects the increasing role of India in global pharmaceutical research and innovation. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.