Published Jan 31, 2023 | 5:15 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 31, 2023 | 5:15 PM
Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company Sandoz has announced the setting up of their Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad. (Supplied)
Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company Sandoz has announced the setting up of its Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad, which will support its worldwide knowledge services.
The centre will initially have a workforce of 800 employees. The firm has plans to increase the headcount to approximately 1,800 in the near future.
The announcement was made after CEO (designate) of Sandoz, Richard Saynor, Chief Scientific Officer Claire D’Abreau-Hayling, and Head-Sandoz Development Centre India Dr. Vandana Singh met with Telangana minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao on Tuesday, 31 January.
Minister Rao said that Sandoz is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. As a division of the Novartis Group, its vision is to discover new ways to improve and extend people’s lives.
“I’m delighted that Sandoz has chosen Hyderabad to set-up its global capability center. Hyderabad boasts a top-notch business environment backed by the state, with a strong emphasis on the life sciences industry. Hyderabad is already home to Novartis and has grown into second largest location for the company, we are looking forward to a similar patronage and association with Sandoz”.
Sandoz already has a development centre in Genome Valley, engaged in Research and Development (R&D). The team also informed the minister that they are adding a laboratory focused on automation.
Met CEO of Sandoz @SaynorRichard and had an exciting conversation on how Hyderabad could play a larger role in their global aspirations. Looking forward to replicating @Novatis achievements with Sandoz in Hyderabad.
— KTR (@KTRBRS) January 31, 2023
The minister also presented the Hyderabad Pharma City project and highlighted the value proposition for companies like Sandoz. He invited Sandoz to consider setting up a large manufacturing centre in Hyderabad.
The global portfolio of Sandoz comprises approximately 1,000 molecules, covering all major therapeutic areas, which accounted for 2019 sales of ₹9.7 billion. Their products reach more than 500 million patients globally.
Hyderabad is regarded as the life sciences capital of India and vaccine capital of the world. The city also has the unique distinction of being home to the largest development centres outside of the headquarters for technology companies including Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook (Meta), etc.
While the state is driven by its technology affinity and talent pool, support for manufacturing and R&D has also allowed for creation of a growth ecosystem for the Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical segment in a big way.
