Thermo Fisher Scientific is making significant strides in the Indian biopharma market with the announcement of a new bioprocess design center (BDC) in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. This 10,000 square-foot facility, expected to open early next year, is part of a broader initiative by the company to strengthen its presence in the Indian biopharma market. The BDC will provide comprehensive development and manufacturing services, personnel training hubs, and advanced bioprocessing technologies, including single-use bioreactors and pay-per-use infrastructure.
Strategic Partnership with Telangana Government
The establishment of Thermo Fisher’s new BDC in Hyderabad is aligned with the state of Telangana’s vision of becoming a biopharma hub in India. Thermo Fisher has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana to establish the center, which will significantly enhance Hyderabad’s position as a leading destination for biotech and life sciences companies. This development will contribute to the city’s evolving status as a powerhouse in the Indian biopharma sector.
Aligning with Telangana’s Vision
The new BDC in Genome Valley will offer an array of workflow capabilities, encompassing both upstream and downstream research, cell-culture media development, single-use scale-up manufacturing, and product validation. This comprehensive facility aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative biotherapeutics across India and the Asia-Pacific region. By providing access to advanced bioprocessing technologies, the center will reduce the time to market for new biopharma products, thereby enhancing the competitive edge of the local biopharma industry.
The center is also expected to foster a collaborative ecosystem, encouraging strategic partnerships and collaborations to advance biopharma manufacturing and research solutions. Thermo Fisher’s vision extends beyond merely supplying cutting-edge technology; the company envisions creating an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. This initiative will significantly bolster Telangana’s efforts to maintain its status as a leading biopharma hub in India and attract more life sciences companies to the region.
Boosting Local Biopharma Ecosystem
Thermo Fisher has been steadfast in its commitment to expanding the local biopharma ecosystem in India. A spokesperson for the company detailed that the BDC aims to accelerate the development and manufacturing of biotherapeutics, creating a collaborative ecosystem that integrates various stakeholders in the biopharma sector. This broader strategy by Thermo Fisher is designed to support India’s pharmaceutical exports through advanced technologies and solutions, including partnerships with bio-incubators and other relevant entities.
Prior to the announcement of the BDC, Thermo Fisher had already invested significantly in the Indian market. In 2022, the company opened a research and development (R&D) and engineering center in Hyderabad, focusing on product design, validation, and performance testing. These efforts underscore Thermo Fisher’s desire to create a robust foundation for biopharma innovation and manufacturing in India. By leveraging its advanced technologies and fostering strategic collaborations, Thermo Fisher aims to transform the local biopharma landscape and drive competitive growth.
Enhancing Biopharma Manufacturing Capabilities
Comprehensive Development and Manufacturing Services
Thermo Fisher’s new BDC in Hyderabad represents a critical piece of the company’s broader strategy to enhance biopharma manufacturing capabilities in India. According to a spokesperson for Thermo Fisher, the BDC will serve as a vital hub for accelerating the development and production of biotherapeutics. This initiative aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that will enhance the entire biopharma sector in Telangana and beyond. By providing access to cutting-edge bioprocessing technologies, Thermo Fisher is set to play a crucial role in advancing India’s pharmaceutical exports and supporting the local industry.
Previous Investments in Indian Market
Thermo Fisher’s commitment to the Indian market predates the establishment of the new BDC in Hyderabad. In 2022, the company opened a research and development (R&D) and engineering center in Hyderabad, dedicated to product design, validation, and performance testing. This facility has already been instrumental in advancing the company’s efforts in the Indian market. In January 2024, Thermo Fisher took another significant step by collaborating with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) to establish a center of excellence for biotechnology research and innovation.
Furthermore, in April 2024, the company partnered with the Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB) to supply advanced tools and technologies. This collaboration included providing the CellInsight CX7 LZR Pro high content screening platform, KingFisher Flex automated nucleic purification system, EVOS M7000 imaging system, and other essential laboratory equipment. These tools have been crucial in driving cutting-edge research and development in the biopharma sector, further solidifying Thermo Fisher’s position in the Indian market.
Collaborations with Academic Institutions
Partnerships with IIT and KIIT
In addition to its partnerships with government bodies and biopharma companies, Thermo Fisher has actively collaborated with academic institutions across India to support the development of biopharmaceutical products. Notably, the company has worked with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneshwar. These collaborations have been instrumental in fostering innovation and ensuring that the latest bioprocessing technologies are accessible to researchers and students. By partnering with these prestigious institutions, Thermo Fisher is contributing to the training of the next generation of biopharma professionals, which is essential for the industry’s long-term growth and sustainability.
Supplying Advanced Tools and Technologies
Thermo Fisher has also made significant strides in providing advanced tools and technologies to academic institutions and research centers. In April 2024, the company partnered with the Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB) to supply state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. This collaboration included providing the CellInsight CX7 LZR Pro high content screening platform, KingFisher Flex automated nucleic purification system, EVOS M7000 imaging system, and other essential tools for cutting-edge research in the biopharma sector. These tools are not only advancing research and development but are also providing researchers with the resources they need to explore new frontiers in biopharmaceutical innovation.
Global Network of Bioprocess Plants
Expansion in Asia-Pacific Region
Thermo Fisher’s new BDC in Hyderabad is part of a more extensive network of bioprocess plants that the company has been establishing globally. In 2022, Thermo Fisher opened a bioprocess supply center on Yeongjongdo Island, South Korea. This facility was designed to ensure the reliable supply of products and materials for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, thereby supporting the local biopharma industry. Similarly, in May 2023, Thermo Fisher opened another facility in Singapore, with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). This facility aims to advance the research, development, and production of medicines and vaccines, providing significant vaccine fill/finish capacity.
These global initiatives underline Thermo Fisher’s commitment to supporting the biopharma industry through advanced technologies and solutions. By establishing a network of bioprocess plants in strategic locations, the company is ensuring that biopharma manufacturers have access to the resources they need to innovate and grow. This global expansion is also reflective of Thermo Fisher’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in key markets and support the development of innovative healthcare solutions.
Commitment to Advancing Healthcare Solutions
Thermo Fisher Scientific is making considerable progress in the Indian biopharma sector with the announcement of a new bioprocess design center (BDC) in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. This 10,000 square-foot facility, anticipated to open early next year, represents a key part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the Indian biopharma market. The BDC will offer a wide range of development and manufacturing services, acting as both a personnel training hub and a center for advanced bioprocessing technologies. Among the technologies to be featured are single-use bioreactors and a pay-per-use infrastructure, designed to make cutting-edge bioprocessing more accessible. Additionally, Thermo Fisher aims to support the growing demands of India’s biopharmaceutical industry by fostering innovation and collaboration within the sector. This strategic move highlights Thermo Fisher’s commitment to enhancing biopharmaceutical capabilities in India, ultimately aiming to boost the nation’s position in the global biopharma landscape.
