How Mankind Pharma Is Driving Affordable Healthcare Through Innovation

The pharmaceutical industry has long grappled with the challenge of delivering affordable healthcare without compromising on quality. Mankind Pharma, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has emerged as a trailblazer in this domain. By leveraging cutting-edge pharma tech and a relentless focus on research and development, Mankind Pharma is redefining accessibility and affordability in healthcare, not just in India but also in emerging global markets.

The Genesis of Mankind Pharma’s Mission

Founded in 1991, Mankind Pharma commenced operations in 1995 with a clear vision: to provide high-quality medicines at affordable prices. Over the years, the company has grown to become the fourth-largest pharmaceutical company in India by value and volume, with ₹12,207 crore in revenue from operations. The company’s core philosophy centers on quality, affordability, and accessibility, making it a trusted name in the pharmaceutical industry.

Innovation as a Catalyst for Affordable Healthcare

Investment in Research & Development

Mankind Pharma’s commitment to innovation is demonstrated by its substantial investment in R&D. The company allocates approximately 2.5-3% of its total revenue to R&D initiatives, supporting the development of new products and therapies that address unmet medical needs. With over 730 scientists and seven state-of-the-art R&D centers, Mankind Pharma continues to push the boundaries of pharmaceutical research.

Advancements in Biotechnology

Recognizing the transformative potential of biotechnology, Mankind Pharma has made significant strides in biosimilars—cost-effective alternatives to complex biologic drugs. The company’s biotechnology division focuses on critical therapeutic areas such as oncology, chronic inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders.

Core Capabilities in Biosimilar Development

• Molecular biology and genetic engineering
• Protein isolation and purification
• Cell culture scale-up and fermentation
• Single-cell cloning and cell banking

These capabilities enable the development of high-quality biosimilars that are both effective and affordable, directly impacting patient access to advanced therapies.

Expanding Access Through Strategic Partnerships

Mankind Pharma’s strategy extends beyond in-house innovation. The company actively pursues global collaborations and in-licensing agreements with leading pharmaceutical giants such as AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Takeda. Notably, its partnership with Innovent Biologics to commercialize Sintilimab, a monoclonal antibody used in oncology, underscores its commitment to bringing advanced therapies to Indian patients at affordable prices.

In 2024, the acquisition of Bharat Serums & Vaccines (BSV) expanded Mankind Pharma’s portfolio into high-entry-barrier segments like women’s health, fertility drugs, and critical care products, further strengthening its leadership in niche therapeutic areas.

Manufacturing Excellence and Distribution Reach

Mankind Pharma operates 30 manufacturing facilities across India, producing a wide range of dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, syrups, vials, ampoules, and more. The company’s manufacturing units adhere to stringent international quality control protocols, ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

A key differentiator is Mankind Pharma’s robust penetration.  Mankind has over 75 C&Fs, 13,000 stockist, and more than 5 lakh doctors catering to most remote parts of the country. And this presence is continuously expanding making affordable medicines accessible to a broader population.

Product Innovation: Meeting Diverse Healthcare Needs

Mankind Pharma’s diversified portfolio spans acute and chronic therapeutic areas, including:

• Anti-infectives
• Cardiovascular
• Gastrointestinal
• Antidiabetic
• Neuro/CNS
• Respiratory

In the consumer healthcare segment, the company boasts marquee brands such as Manforce (condoms), Prega News (pregnancy test kits), and Unwanted-72 (emergency contraception) – each a market leader in its category.

Impact and Recognition

• 22,000+ employees drive the company’s mission of affordable healthcare.
• Highest prescription generation in the Indian pharmaceutical market, supported by a field force of over 16,500 medical representatives (including managers).
• 200+ specialty drugs tailored for Tier II and III cities, ensuring no citizen is left behind in the journey toward a healthier nation.

Mankind Pharma’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company’s leadership has been recognized with prestigious awards, and its ethical business practices and employee-centric culture have set benchmarks in the industry.

Mankind Pharma’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation in driving affordable healthcare. Through sustained investment in R&D, strategic use of pharma tech, robust manufacturing, and an unwavering focus on accessibility, the company continues to set new benchmarks in the pharmaceutical industry. As Mankind Pharma expands its footprint in India and beyond, its mission remains clear: to leave no citizen behind in the pursuit of a healthier, more equitable world.