Hyderabad: In a strategic move to bolster its global research and development (R&D) footprint, Bristol Myers Squibb is gearing up for a significant expansion in India. CEO Christopher Boerner revealed the pharmaceutical giant’s ambitious plans during the inauguration of its state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad. Boerner affirmed that by 2025, this newly established hub is poised to emerge as Bristol Myers’ largest unit outside the United States.
With a whopping investment of $100 million, the Hyderabad facility is slated to accommodate over 1,500 highly skilled professionals. Boerner, addressing industry leaders at the prestigious BioAsia conference, articulated the company’s vision to leverage digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing drug development endeavors.
Bristol Myers Squibb’s commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond Hyderabad, as it presently collaborates with the Biocon Group’s Syngene International in Bengaluru, operating another cutting-edge R&D center.
A significant thrust of Bristol Myers’ research agenda revolves around pioneering cell therapies for combatting autoimmune disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis. Boerner underscored the pivotal role of AI in expediting these transformative therapies’ development, affirming the company’s intention to democratize access to such groundbreaking treatments, including in burgeoning markets like India.
Despite Bristol Myers’ robust pipeline of breakthrough therapies, notably its cancer cell therapies Abecma and Breyanzi, their availability in India remains pending. However, established cancer treatments like nivolumab and ipilimumab, marketed as Opdyta and Yervoi respectively, continue to cater to patient needs in the region.
Inquiries regarding the accessibility of Abecma and Breyanzi in India directed at Bristol Myers Squibb’s spokesperson yielded no immediate response to Reuters’ query.
Anticipating patent expirations for some of its flagship drugs, including the widely prescribed blood thinner Eliquis and the revolutionary cancer immunotherapy Opdivo, Bristol Myers embarked on a series of strategic partnerships and acquisitions to replenish its drug development pipeline.
