The Emergence of New R&D Paradigms in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: Post TRIPS Period

Abstract

India, being a signatory of WTO agreements, has moved from no or partial patent protection to full fledged patent protection. This represents a radical break from the past in which developing countries typically had only weak levels of patent protection. In this context, this research examines the steps involved in development of R&D capabilities in the Indian pharmaceutical firms as a response to strengthening of patent law. This paper analyses the post-TRIPS behaviour of domestic pharmaceutical firms in India with respect to R&D intensification, development of new molecules and enhanced DMF filings. The study establishes that firms in the post WTO era have increased their R&D efforts tremendously and are moving towards the development of advance level process and product R&D capabilities. Such firms have also opted for vigorous DMF filings abroad reflecting qualitative modifications and adjustments in its R&D capabilities in the production of exportables.