GCCs Harnessing Local Talent for Global Healthcare Solutions

This is a two-part report on GCCs in India and how they are driving value.

My blogs will highlight the following themes. First – harnessing capabilities and capacities and second - Leveraging India’s IT Infrastructure for R&D and Digital Health.

India’s pharmaceutical industry is globally recognised for its capabilities in research and manufacturing, and for its skilled labour. The country’s attractiveness as a destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) is underpinned by several key factors, including cost-efficiency, a vast talent pool, robust infrastructure, and strong regulatory support.

OPPI recently released a report titled Enabling an environment for Innovation and Excellence - Bharat Ke Liye, which highlights the investment and work undertaken in R&D and analytics by the Pharma GCCs of its member organisations. Pharma GCCs at present employ over 75,000 professionals in India. Major companies like Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Roche, Bayer, Merck, MSD, Sanofi, Novartis, Lilly, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, and GSK have established substantial operations in the country.

Harnessing Capabilities and Capacities

Indian GCCs leverage the country's strong scientific talent and advanced technology infrastructure to conduct high-impact research, often collaborating with top institutions like IITs, IISc, and biotech parks. Equipped with skills in areas like generative AI and cloud computing, India's vast talent pool provides a strong incentive for global pharma companies to establish GCCs, ensuring the availability of skilled resources for growth and innovation.

AstraZeneca’s Global Innovation & Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai and R&D centre in Bengaluru together employee around 3100 employees who play a key role in innovation and transformation programs, enabling and empowering AstraZeneca’s core business processes – from discovery, development, production, launches to supply, all the way through the value chain.

The Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research & Development Center (BBRC) in Bengaluru employs around 1,000 people involved in activities ranging from target identification, lead discovery, and lead optimization to early-stage pharmaceutical development and clinical biomarkers R&D.

GSK's GCC in Bengaluru employs over 2,500 people in global business operations and R&D, with more than 50% focusing in areas like safety science, regulatory, biostatistics, clinical operations, and more. This LEED Platinum-certified smart working office is a strategic arm of GSK, set up to house diverse talent and build differentiated capabilities for future global impact.

Merck’s R&D India Hub in Bangalore strives to bring the best of global practices and local talent to enhance patient outcomes. The Hub empowers its employees with an innovation-friendly environment that encourages their curiosity. Around 500 employees work at the Hub, delivering g critical responsibilities in Merck’s drug development journey.

Novartis Corporate Center (NOCC) in Hyderabad employees around 8000 people who support global operations across various functions. The centre provides high–quality support service across multiple functions and capabilities - Drug Development, Business Services, Data, Digital & IT, Manufacturing Supply and Quality, Procurement & Real Estate, Human Resources, Finance, Risk & Compliance, Legal, Communications & Engagement.

Novo Nordisk Global Business Services employs over 4000 full-time employees, supporting global business needs. It has added core services around commercial affairs, supply chain, quality, development etc.

Sanofi’s DSIR-approved R&D center in Goa has been at the forefront of developing new products and technologies for the past 15 years, focusing on product development, lifecycle management, and technology transfer. Sanofi has also set up a hub in Hyderabad, employing around 800 people working on key capabilities like scientific writing, data analytics, biostatistics and statistical programming.

The Path Forward

The future of these hubs in India's pharmaceutical sector appears promising. Continued investment, coupled with the accessibility of talented professionals, contributes to their sustained growth. As we move forward, it’s crucial to leverage the opportunities these GCCs present to continue solving healthcare challenges in India and beyond. By fostering innovation and harnessing local talent, GCCs can significantly contribute to global healthcare solutions, paving the way for a healthier future.