CEOs of top Indian firms discuss how policies and geopolitics could shape future manufacturing networks and also the simmering issue of tariffs. US President Donald Trump has just reiterated plans for reciprocal tariffs at a joint session of Congress.

Policy advances, measures to back local production and crowdfunding action for gene therapies like Zolgensma bring hope for rare disease patients in India. Gaps in financing, high prices and an ongoing court case, however, stunt efforts to ensure timely access.

Novartis president, development and chief medical officer talks about the pivotal role of the development India hub in progressing breakthrough drugs, how AI is delivering gains in the trials arena, driving focus in the R&D engine and the Swiss group’s approach in the obesity space.

Parexel's CEO Peyton Howell and India boss Sanjay Vyas talk to Scrip about the value of clinical trial diversity, AI pilots underway and opportunities for India amid geopolitical rumblings, as well as the need for standardized regulatory approaches to enhance sponsor interest.

Dr Reddy’s hopes to be the “first one in the pack”, when Ozempic loses patent cover next year in markets like Canada, where the semaglutide opportunity is projected at $2bn. Openings for the product in 80 smaller markets also loom, it said, but the GLP-1 agonist won’t ‘replace’ generic Revlimid and all business levers will have to grow.

Sun Pharma sees opportunities for Antibe’s otenaproxesul in the US and emerging markets and aims to get the clinical hold on the novel NSAID lifted. The firm is also focusing on its specialty business in Japan, amid pricing challenges for long-listed products.