IDF President-elect Meets Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh; Calls for Scaling Up Indigenous Insulin Production and Diabetes Biomanufacturing in India
Dr Niti Pall, President-elect of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), met with Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, also a renowned Professor of Medicine and Diabetes, to discuss the prospects of indigenous biosimilar insulin production and broader diabetes-related biomanufacturing in India.
The high-level discussion focused on strengthening India’s capabilities in producing biosimilar insulins and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, especially against the backdrop of growing global concerns over insulin supply shortages. Dr. Pall highlighted that global insulin production is concentrated among a few multinational manufacturers, leaving supply chains vulnerable and affordability a persistent challenge—particularly for Type 1 diabetes patients who require lifelong therapy.
Biosimilar insulin—highly similar versions of existing insulin therapies designed to provide equivalent safety and efficacy at lower costs—emerged as a central area of discussion. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that while India has a strong pharmaceutical and medical device sector, domestic insulin manufacturing remains limited, signaling both a gap and an opportunity.
“The Department of Biotechnology is actively supporting initiatives to enhance insulin production capacity, including scaling up operations by domestic manufacturers,” Dr. Singh said. “Expanding indigenous production is not just a national requirement given India’s high diabetes burden, but also a global responsibility as developing countries increasingly depend on affordable diabetes care solutions.”
Dr. Pall emphasized India’s potential to serve as a hub for cost-effective diabetes care, drawing parallels with India’s vaccine manufacturing leadership. She observed that high insulin prices continue to restrict access in many regions, underscoring the need for alternative manufacturing centers capable of delivering quality, affordable products.
The dialogue also extended to diabetes care technologies, including CGM systems and insulin pumps. Dr. Pall noted the rapid expansion of low-cost devices from countries like China, capturing significant market share due to price advantages. Dr. Singh affirmed that Indian companies have the technological expertise to develop comparable devices and stressed that scaling production would require greater industry participation and targeted policy support.
Both sides explored opportunities for collaboration involving Indian researchers, industry stakeholders, and international partners in areas such as clinical trials, technology development, and financing models. Dr. Singh proposed convening a stakeholder meeting during Dr. Pall’s next visit to India in July to bring together relevant actors and chart pathways for scaling manufacturing and global outreach.
The interaction reflects India’s strategic push to strengthen its bio-manufacturing base while addressing the rising burden of diabetes. By focusing on biosimilar insulin and cost-effective medical devices, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global effort to ensure equitable access to essential therapies amid limited suppliers, increasing demand, and affordability challenges.
