India Drug Repurposing Market

The drug repurposing market is experiencing notable growth, driven by the increasing need for cost-effective therapeutic solutions. This approach allows existing medications to be utilized for new indications, thereby reducing the time and resources typically required for drug development. In India, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the demand for innovative treatments are propelling interest in repurposing strategies. Furthermore, the supportive regulatory environment and government initiatives aimed at fostering research and development are likely to enhance the market landscape. As pharmaceutical companies seek to optimize their portfolios, the focus on drug repurposing appears to be a strategic response to the challenges of traditional drug discovery processes. Moreover, collaborations between academic institutions and industry players are becoming more prevalent, facilitating knowledge exchange and accelerating the repurposing process. The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, is also contributing to the identification of new therapeutic uses for existing drugs. This trend suggests a shift towards a more innovative and efficient approach in the drug development pipeline. As the market evolves, stakeholders are expected to prioritize partnerships and investments that align with the growing emphasis on repurposing, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced healthcare solutions.

Increased Focus on Chronic Diseases

The drug repurposing market is witnessing a heightened emphasis on addressing chronic diseases, which are becoming increasingly prevalent. This trend indicates a strategic pivot towards utilizing existing medications to manage conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. By repurposing established drugs, healthcare providers can offer more accessible treatment options, potentially improving patient adherence and outcomes.

Regulatory Support and Incentives

Regulatory bodies are providing enhanced support for drug repurposing initiatives, which is likely to stimulate market growth. This includes streamlined approval processes and incentives for research and development. Such measures may encourage pharmaceutical companies to explore repurposing opportunities, thereby fostering innovation and expediting the availability of new treatment options.

Technological Advancements in Drug Discovery

The integration of advanced technologies is transforming the drug repurposing market. Tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are being employed to analyze vast datasets, identifying potential new uses for existing drugs. This technological shift not only accelerates the discovery process but also enhances the precision of targeting specific diseases, thereby optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

The evolving regulatory framework in India is playing a pivotal role in shaping the drug repurposing market. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has been streamlining approval processes for repurposed drugs, thereby reducing the time required for market entry. This regulatory support is crucial, as it encourages pharmaceutical companies to invest in repurposing initiatives. In recent years, the CDSCO has introduced guidelines that facilitate faster clinical trials for repurposed drugs, which can lead to quicker access for patients. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, it is expected that the drug repurposing market will experience accelerated growth, driven by increased confidence among stakeholders in the approval process.

The economic advantages associated with drug repurposing are driving its growth in the Indian market. Developing new drugs can be prohibitively expensive, often exceeding $2 billion and taking over a decade. In contrast, repurposing existing drugs can significantly reduce development costs and timelines. This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing to Indian pharmaceutical companies, which are increasingly focusing on innovative solutions to enhance their product portfolios. The drug repurposing market is thus positioned to thrive as stakeholders recognize the potential for quicker returns on investment while addressing unmet medical needs. Furthermore, the Indian government has been promoting initiatives to support affordable healthcare, which aligns with the principles of drug repurposing.

The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India is a significant driver for the drug repurposing market. With conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer on the rise, the healthcare system faces immense pressure. The World Health Organization indicates that NCDs account for approximately 60% of all deaths in India. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for effective treatment options. Drug repurposing offers a cost-effective and time-efficient approach to address these health challenges, as existing drugs can be quickly evaluated for new therapeutic uses. Consequently, the drug repurposing market is likely to expand as pharmaceutical companies and researchers seek to leverage existing compounds to combat the growing burden of NCDs.

The collaboration between academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry is emerging as a vital driver for the drug repurposing market. In India, numerous universities and research organizations are engaging in partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to facilitate the discovery of new drug applications. These collaborations often result in the pooling of resources, expertise, and data, which can accelerate the drug repurposing process. As a result, the drug repurposing market is likely to benefit from innovative research outcomes and the development of new treatment options. Furthermore, such partnerships can enhance the credibility of repurposed drugs, making them more appealing to healthcare providers and patients.

Investment in research and development (R&D) within the Indian pharmaceutical sector is a crucial driver for the drug repurposing market. The Indian government has been actively encouraging R&D through various initiatives, including tax incentives and grants. In 2025, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is projected to reach a market size of $65 billion, with a substantial portion allocated to R&D activities. This influx of funding enables researchers to explore new applications for existing drugs, thereby fostering innovation in the drug repurposing market. As more resources are dedicated to R&D, the potential for discovering novel therapeutic uses for established medications increases, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.

The drug repurposing market in India is characterized by a dynamic competitive landscape, driven by the increasing need for cost-effective therapeutic solutions and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Major players such as Pfizer Inc (US), Novartis AG (CH), and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (US) are actively engaged in innovative strategies to enhance their market presence. Pfizer Inc (US) focuses on leveraging its extensive research capabilities to identify new applications for existing drugs, thereby streamlining the drug development process. In contrast, Novartis AG (CH) emphasizes strategic partnerships with local biotech firms to accelerate the repurposing of drugs, which allows for a more agile response to market demands. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (US) is also notable for its commitment to digital transformation, utilizing advanced analytics to optimize its drug repurposing initiatives, thus shaping a competitive environment that prioritizes innovation and collaboration.

The business tactics employed by these companies reflect a concerted effort to localize manufacturing and optimize supply chains, which are crucial in a moderately fragmented market. This competitive structure allows for a diverse range of players to influence market dynamics, with larger firms often setting the pace for innovation while smaller entities contribute niche solutions. The collective influence of these key players fosters an environment where agility and responsiveness to market needs are paramount.

In October 2025, Pfizer Inc (US) announced a collaboration with a leading Indian research institute to explore the repurposing of its existing oncology portfolio for new therapeutic indications. This strategic move is significant as it not only enhances Pfizer's research capabilities but also aligns with the growing trend of utilizing local expertise to expedite drug development processes. Such collaborations are likely to yield faster results and improve patient access to innovative therapies.

In September 2025, Novartis AG (CH) launched a new initiative aimed at repurposing its cardiovascular drugs for use in treating rare diseases. This initiative underscores Novartis's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs while diversifying its product offerings. By venturing into rare disease markets, Novartis positions itself to capture new revenue streams and enhance its competitive edge in the drug repurposing landscape.

In August 2025, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (US) unveiled a digital platform designed to facilitate the identification of potential drug repurposing opportunities through machine learning algorithms. This platform represents a significant advancement in the company's operational capabilities, allowing for more efficient data analysis and decision-making processes. The integration of AI into drug repurposing strategies is likely to enhance the speed and accuracy of identifying viable therapeutic options, thereby reinforcing Bristol-Myers Squibb's position in the market.

As of November 2025, current competitive trends in the drug repurposing market are increasingly defined by digitalization, sustainability, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Strategic alliances are becoming more prevalent, as companies recognize the value of collaboration in navigating complex regulatory environments and accelerating drug development timelines. Looking ahead, competitive differentiation is expected to evolve, with a shift from price-based competition to a focus on innovation, technological advancements, and supply chain reliability. This transition may ultimately reshape the market, fostering an environment where companies that prioritize research and development, alongside strategic partnerships, are more likely to thrive.