face to face
How you look at e-pharmacy and online
medicine?
In case of diabetes, one must consult doctor for
proper diagnosis and the self-medication is not a
good idea. However, there are enough opportunities
for such kind of online platforms to flourish as well.
The market has got huge potential for various new
offerings but these have to fit in as per requirements.
How have been the immediate activities in
Indian context? Any new partnerships in offing?
We are doing clinical trials in India and expect to
launch two new products in next two years. We
already have partnerships with Lupin and Glen
Pharma. We are always open to expand them
whenever we find the right partner and opportunity.
We will continue to scale up investments in NCDs in
next 5-6 years.
How have been regulatory climate in India? Do
you see the improvements happening?
Pharma products take years and thus need for
transparency is an understood fact. There has been
good progress in regulations in India and it is
important that we be part of negotiations. We must
be involved in conversation with other stakeholders.
For us it is more about collaboration and we have a
cordial relationship with authorities. Infact, we
appreciate that ministers are receptive to the ideas.
What kind of CSR activities have been
happening at Eli Lilly?
The multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has
been a major cause of worry. Our fight against the disease
continues through the Lilly NCD Partnership.
At local level, we have partnered with an NGO for helping
under-privileged children near Lilly office. We financially
support their education and volunteer to do service to
help them. It is close to our hearts. We are a part of global
volunteer day when we go out and participate. We have
‘Connecting Hearts’ program where we send volunteers
from India to other countries and people from Brazil, US
come over here. This helps in exchange of thoughts and
leads to understanding perspectives on healthcare. We
have multiple evangelists on CSR front. Our mission is to
improve global health.
There has been a lot of talk about ‘Make in
India’. Is Eli Lilly eager to participate?
We have been already manufacturing two of our
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We continue to see ourselves as
diabetes leader. At that same
time, we are ready to take important
plunge into other key areas. We have
good oncology portfolio and we also
plan to launch three more products in
next two or three years in India.
formulations at Indian locations. One of the
partnerships is with Glen Pharma. One is the vial
production which is the largest segment in Insulin
market. We are always open to partnerships. It is
always a dynamic market and great opportunities exist.
How has been the diabetes market performing
in India? How has been your revenue
performance?
Diabetes market is growing double digit. While we
can’t reveal specific figures related to Indian market
but like market too, we grew double digit. Infact, I
can say that the growth was faster than market.
What are your innovation plans in wake of dry
drug pipelines everywhere?
We believe in innovation. More than 40 percent of
our revenue goes into R&D to put up strong
pipleline. We plan to accelerate products and launch
20 medications in next 10 years. Not many
companies can say anything like this.
How do you look at Asia Pacific market? Any
plans to increase base in other countries as
well?
We are a global company. We have footprint
everywhere. China, Japan has good opportunity in
terms of growth. We will be open for any
opportunity relevant to us anywhere including India
or overall APAC market.
Where do you see the company after five years?
We continue to see ourselves as diabetes leader. At
that same time, we are ready to take important
plunge into other key areas. We have good oncology
portfolio and we also plan to launch three more
products in next two or three years in India. We
therefore see oncology as another big priority sector.
New areas where we plan to concentrate in a big way
are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis. There are
products in pipeline and we expect to grow good.