Top 10 Biotechnology Companies in India

Biotechnology is a booming industry worldwide, and India is no exception. Numerous biotechnology companies in India are pioneering groundbreaking research and development to enhance human life.

Biotechnology entails the use of modern science and technology in life forms. It includes the application of biotechnological methods to make products or to improve plants, animals and other organisms. 

Biotechnology companies in India are developing new drugs and technologies to combat diseases. They are also engaged in researching and developing medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and other essential products.

Pharma companies are keen on investing in India's pharmaceutical industry because it is the world's largest manufacturer of generic drugs.

The biotechnology industry in India is a rapidly expanding field, with numerous new companies venturing into this sector. It stands as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, holding immense potential for future growth.

Here's a compilation of the top 10 biotechnology companies in India. Let's begin:

Top 10 Biotechnology Companies in India 2022 

Biocon Ltd. 

Biocon Ltd. is headquartered in Bangalore, India, with Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw serving as the company's chairman. Siddharth Mittal holds the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Established in 1978, Biocon operates in the private sector as a biotechnology company.

The company boasts ample funds for research and development across various fields, enabling the development of cutting-edge drugs. With a dedicated team of researchers, employees, and collaborators continuously seeking new treatments, Biocon enjoys widespread admiration across the nation.

Biocon prioritizes continuous innovation to produce affordable life-saving medications, as evidenced by its significant investment in R&D activities. The company holds over 1220 patents, including its psoriasis biologic drug, ALZUMAbTM.

Alzumab is a groundbreaking humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody developed by Biocon and the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), Havana. It targets CD6, downregulating T cell activation and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. It received authorisation for use in COVID-19 treatment in July 2020.

Renowned as one of the top biotechnology companies in India, Biocon manufactures a range of medications including Gliptins, Peptides, Anti-obesity drugs, Immunosuppressants, Statins, Fungins, Multiple Sclerosis treatments, and Oncology medications. The estimated market value stands at ₹ 52,044 crore on 1st April 2024.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

The pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a leader in the market for patient-paid vaccines. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. holds the top position in this segment. Currently, there are 37 potential new medications and 15 potential new vaccines in the company's research and development pipeline in India.

Some of GSK's most successful pharmaceutical brands include Betnovate, Calpol, Augmentin, and Eltroxin. The company has also developed well-known vaccinations such as Synflorix and Rotarix.

Pharmaceuticals contribute to 83% of GSK's total sales, while vaccines make up 17% of the company's profits. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company operates a manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. R. S. Karnad serves as the company's chairman. The estimated market value of GSK stands at Rs. 45,117 Cr.

The Syngene International Limited 

Syngene is dedicated to advancing both animal and human health through cutting-edge scientific research. With over 4,200 scientists and more than 400 patents, the company operates production facilities in Bengaluru and Mangaluru, along with research and development centers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Various industries, including Animal Health, Consumer Goods, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Specialty Chemical Companies, and Nutrition, benefit from the scientific services provided by Syngene's Research and Development and Manufacturing facilities.

Headquartered in Mumbai, India, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw serves as the Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of the company. Jonathan Hunt currently holds the position of Managing Chairman and CEO. Syngene was established in 1993, and its estimated market value stands at Rs. 26,421 Cr.

 Jubilant Life Science 

With a presence in over one hundred countries worldwide, Jubilant Pharma is widely recognized as one of the most successful biotechnology businesses in India. The company's product portfolio includes categories such as CVF, CNF, anti-infective, and anti-diabetic medications.

Sustainability is a core principle guiding their operations, with a focus on reducing their ecological footprint. Jubilant Pharma has a dedicated Sustainability and CSR team responsible for monitoring success across social, environmental, and economic aspects.

Headquartered in Uttar Pradesh, India, Shyam S Bhartia serves as the company's chairman. Established in 1978, Jubilant Pharma is valued at an estimated Rs. 45,117 Cr. on the market.

Wockhardt Ltd. 

The main office of Wockhardt Ltd. is located in the city of Mumbai, India, with Habil Khorakiwala serving as the Chairman of the company. Established in 1960, Wockhardt Ltd. operates as a pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm in the private sector.

The Indian-based biotechnology company is projected to rank among the top 10 globally. While the United States and Europe account for seventy-six percent of the company's sales revenue, Wockhardt Ltd. is now focusing on the Indian market due to its success.

With a promising future, Wockhardt Ltd. is poised to become a significant competitor among other biotechnology firms in India. The company's headquarters are located in Aurangabad, India, and it was founded in 1967. The estimated market value of Wockhardt Ltd. stands at Rs. 6,222 Cr.

Sun Pharmaceutical medical research company

As part of the organizational restructuring at Sun Pharma, the Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company was established. With a primary focus on research and development in medicine and drug delivery, the organization aims to elevate the standard of patient care through innovative thinking and new ideas.

In 2020, the group plans to embark on research and development collaborations with the University of Michigan to develop new medications. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, Dilip S Shanghvi serves as the company's Chairman & General Manager, while Sudhir V. Valia holds the position of Non-Executive Director.

Founded in 2006, the estimated market value of the company stands at Rs. 6,564 Cr.

Panacea Biotec Limited Company

The administrative offices of Panacea Biotech Ltd. are located in New Delhi, India, Soshil Kumar served as the Chairman of the company. Established in 1984, Panacea Biotech is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm operating in the private sector.

Through competent leadership and the dedication of its employees, Panacea Biotech has risen to prominence within the industry. The company's product, PacliALL, was honored with the Bio Spectrum Product of the Year award in 2011, recognizing its significant contributions to product advancement.

Headquartered in Punjab, India, Late Soshil Kumar Jain held the position of Executive Chairman of the Board, Rajesh Jain as Managing Director and Sandeep Jain serves as the company's Joint Managing Director. Listed in 1995 as Panacea Biotech Ltd. boasts an estimated market value of Rs. 6,564 Cr.

Dr. Reddy Laboratories Ltd.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories was founded by scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Kallam Anji Reddy in 1984 with the mission of making medicines more affordable. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing Ibuprofen APIs and later expanded to include Methyldopa, an anti-hypertensive medicine not readily available in India. Subsequently, it ventured into formulations as well. At present, Dr Kallam Satish Reddy serves as the Chairman of Reddy laboratories.

By 1988, Dr. Reddy's became India's major supplier of Ibuprofen API to countries such as the US, Spain, Italy, and Japan. In 1990, it became the first Indian pharmaceutical company to export Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin active components to Europe and Asia.

Some popular products from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories include Omez (Omeprazole), Nise (Nimesulide), Ketorol (Ketorolac Tromethamine), Stamlo (Amlodipine Besylate), and Razo (Rabeprazole). The estimated market value of the company is ₹23,156 crore.

Serum Institute of India 

The Chairman of the Serum Institute is Cyrus S. Poonawalla, and the company's headquarters are located in Pune, India. Established in 1966, the Serum Institute operates as a prominent biotechnology company within the private sector.

Renowned as one of the most well-known biotechnology companies in India, the Serum Institute of India Limited has contributed significantly to the development of effective therapies for various conditions.

The company has pioneered the creation of a wide range of vaccinations, including DTaP vaccines, pure Vero cell rabies vaccines, and others. The estimated market value of this company stands at Rs 1.92 lakh crore, making it the most valuable unlisted company.

Indian Immunologicals 

Hyderabad, India, is home to the headquarters of Indian Immunological Limited, with Dr. Amrita Patel serving as the Chairman of the Board. Established as a biotechnology business in 1982, Indian Immunological operates in the commercial sector.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) played a pivotal role in the founding of Indian Immunological Limited, which has since become widely recognized as one of the most successful businesses in its sector nationwide.

The organisation is renowned for its exemplary service, which emphasizes customer satisfaction as a top priority. Indian Immunological Limited's commitment to excellence has earned it a positive reputation in the industry. The estimated market value of this company is Rs. 140 Cr.

Conclusion - The Top Biotechnology Firms in India

India ranks among the top 30 biotechnology locations globally. Unlike affluent nations like the United States, biotechnology research in India is predominantly funded by the government.

The ranking of top biotech firms in India considers factors such as the diversity of packaging materials and films offered, annual income, market capitalization, orders received, and sales volume.

I trust you will find this list of Indian biotechnology businesses helpful. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below on how the new vaccines will contribute to the growth of the Indian biotechnology industry.