India imports bulk of complex excipients
In its continued endeavour to bolster India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependency on imports, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), have extended financial support to Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Private Limited, Nagpur, for their project titled “Manufacture of Complex Excipients”.
Excipients, though pharmacologically inactive, are critical to the functionality, stability, and delivery of medicines. As drug formulations become increasingly sophisticated—with the rise of complex generics, biopharmaceuticals, and novel delivery systems—the demand for high-quality, tailor-made excipients has surged globally. India, despite being a pharmaceutical powerhouse, continues to import the bulk of these complex excipients from countries like the United States, China, and France.
Through this project, Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties aims to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for commercial-scale production of 14 complex excipients that cater to advanced pharmaceutical applications. These products will be developed in line with the Quality by Design (QbD) framework, ensuring precision in parameters like surface area, particle size, and stability to meet international standards.
Established in 1991, Nitika has evolved into a trusted global supplier of fine chemicals and specialty excipients. With a DSIR-recognized in-house R&D facility and a global footprint across 90 countries, the company is well-positioned to translate this project into a significant leap toward self-reliance in pharma auxiliary production.
The project is also aligned with the Government of India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals, under which Nitika has been selected as a beneficiary under Group C – MSME (Pharmaceuticals). TDB’s support complements the broader national mission of fostering indigenous manufacturing, reducing import dependency, and expanding India’s export potential in high-value pharmaceutical components.
Speaking on the occasion on 2 June, TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak said, “India’s pharmaceutical strength must be matched with domestic resilience in critical inputs like excipients. TDB is pleased to support Nitika’s forward-looking project that strengthens India’s position not just as a pharmacy of the world, but also as a maker of world-class excipients. This initiative will boost both Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s capacity to support global health.” Fiinews.com
