Eli Lilly Global CEO meets Dr Jitendra; discusses Insulin, NCD drugs collaboration
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: David Ricks, Global CEO of Eli Lilly, a leading global insulin manufacturer, met with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to discuss strengthening partnerships in insulin production, non-communicable disease (NCD) therapies, and biomanufacturing.
The talks emphasized India’s critical role in global healthcare and the need for innovation to tackle diabetes and other diseases.
Eli Lilly, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, has a robust presence in India through its subsidiary Eli Lilly and Company (India) Pvt. Ltd. The company markets treatments for diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis and operates in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka through partnerships with local firms.
The meeting focused on establishing a Centre of Excellence for insulin therapies and conducting clinical trials for advanced treatments. With diabetes posing a significant health challenge in India, the dialogue highlighted the importance of scaling insulin production and accessibility. Dr. Jitendra Singh, an eminent endocrinologist, stressed the need for region-specific studies to address metabolic disorders unique to India, where food habits and phenotypes lead to central and visceral obesity.
Dr. Singh emphasized India’s capabilities in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, pointing to the government’s initiatives for affordable healthcare and the coexistence of generic and specialized medicines. He highlighted the critical role of biomanufacturing in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, reducing import dependency and ensuring access to cutting-edge therapies.
Eli Lilly’s engagement aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in drug manufacturing and innovation in life sciences. Dr. Singh called for government-industry collaboration to accelerate research, streamline regulatory processes, and drive advancements in NCD therapies, particularly insulin production.
The proposed Centre of Excellence could significantly improve accessibility to insulin therapies, reinforcing India’s leadership in addressing lifestyle diseases. With its evolving biotech ecosystem, skilled workforce, and robust pharmaceutical industry, India is poised to become a global leader in bio-manufacturing. The meeting underscored the growing collaboration between global pharmaceutical companies and the Indian government to enhance healthcare accessibility and advance research in critical disease areas.
