Pfizer India to Boost Manufacturing, R&D, Focus on ‘Made-in-India’ Products

Approximately 70% of Pfizer’s sales in India are produced domestically, either at its own plant in Goa or through contracts with about 18 manufacturing partners across the country.

Pfizer Limited’s Managing Director, Meenakshi Nevatia, has announced that the pharmaceutical giant is set to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities in India, with a strong focus on research and development (R&D) and introducing more ‘Made-in-India’ products.

Nevatia highlighted that the company is transferring production of its oncology and chemotherapy products from Australia to Gujarat as part of its commitment to local manufacturing.

“Pfizer is 100% committed to India. Our expansion takes multiple forms, starting with R&D, where we are continuously growing. We have nearly 1,500 people in Chennai in R&D, including a center at IIT Madras Research Park where we’re expanding capacity by 50%,” Nevatia said in an interview with ANI.

Pfizer's Expansion Efforts

Approximately 70% of Pfizer’s sales in India are produced domestically, either at its own plant in Goa or through contracts with about 18 manufacturing partners across the country.

The company’s Goa plant, specifically for sterile injectables, is Asia’s only export-oriented unit of its kind.

“This local production is crucial to meeting India’s healthcare needs,” Nevatia stated, adding that Pfizer’s manufacturing expansion aligns with its goal of supporting local manufacturing and innovation through partnerships.

Pfizer is also expanding its research and development presence. In addition to the Chennai workforce, the company has recently launched an analytics center for 80 employees in Mumbai, part of its broader effort to establish global capability centers in India.

“Across our business system, each piece is expanding. This includes a newly launched analytics center in Mumbai, with more to come,” Nevatia said, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and advanced analytics within India.

Focus on Adult Vaccination & New Vaccination Centers

Pfizer plans to expand its portfolio in adult vaccines, building on its pneumococcal vaccine offerings in India.

Nevatia explained that the company has recently established a specialized center for adult vaccination at a hospital in Gurugram and is planning to open additional centers.

“We’re already in the pneumococcal space with adult vaccination, and we’re constantly exploring new advancements,” Nevatia said, noting that the process of introducing new vaccines involves regulatory processes and clinical studies.

The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for adult vaccines, especially in areas such as pneumococcal disease, with Pfizer evaluating further steps to bring additional vaccines to the Indian market.

Nevatia affirmed Pfizer’s ongoing commitment to India through increased investments in manufacturing, R&D, and healthcare services, particularly in Tier II and III cities.

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