Panel Discussion: Overcoming barriers in drug discovery and development

Panelists in this video:
+ Dr Mahesh Bhalgat, Group CEO & MD, Veeda Lifesciences (MODERATOR)
+ Mr Murali Ramachandra, CEO, Aurigene Oncology
+ Ms Kavitha Iyer Rodrigues, Founder & CEO, Zumutor Biologics
+ Dr Anand Anandkumar, Co-founder and CEO, Bugworks
+ Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO and Director, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (CCMP)
+ Dr Jogin Desai, Founder and CEO, Eyestem Research

Key Highlights:
[1] AMR is a silent crisis. India loses nearly 4 lakh lives annually to antimicrobial resistance, yet funding for this area remains critically low.

[2] Programmes like Research, Development and Innovation Scheme are positive steps, but they need faster, more efficient implementation to truly impact biopharma R&D.

[3] Financing models must evolve. Blended financing, larger grant pools, and stronger private–public partnerships are essential to de-risk innovation.

[4] India’s innovation advantage is that solutions that emerge here will not only address affordability and accessibility within the country but also globally.

[5] There is a need for scale and risk appetite. Sustained investments, bold funding, and willingness to take risks are critical if India wants to lead in drug discovery and biopharma innovation.

[6] The future lies in building close partnerships around clinical data. When we shift from being suggestive to truly predictive, we can transform care and deliver better outcomes.

[7] Technology will be the engine that drives science and breakthroughs, helping us move from suggestive to predictive care.

[8] Talent with purpose, nimbleness, and speed will be the fuel that powers India’s R&D leadership.