Biotech is a growing sector in India that’s received significant investment from the Indian government. As a result, domestic and international biotechnology companies are researching new vaccines and gene therapies for global illnesses affecting millions of people. Here are some biotech companies to know in Pune as the sector continues to innovate.
Top Biotech Companies in Pune
- Johnson & Johnson
- Saama
- KF Bioplants
- ArrayGen Technologies
- Enzene Biosciences
Biotech Companies in Pune
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recently grew its biologic research division into an entire subsidiary, called Ichnos Sciences. Ichnos develops curative therapies specifically for particular kinds of cancers and tumors. While Ichnos has a small molecule research center in Mumbai, Glenmark also maintains a manufacturing facility in Pune.
Saama is a global biotech that uses AI to develop new medical solutions. The company’s SaaS AI engine helps scientists process data at faster rates and is also used to mitigate potential development roadblocks. According to Saama, its AI capabilities were used to develop the first Covid-19 vaccines.
LifeCell International is India’s largest stem cell and tissue storage bank. The company’s BabyCord program allows parents to preserve their baby’s umbilical cord stem cells and a community cell banking program allows for sharing stem cells. In addition to stem cell storage, LifeCell also provides prenatal diagnostic services, therapeutic and personal care products.
Agricultural biotech company Krishidhan Seeds has been providing seeds, crop protection and plant nutrition solutions to the Indian agriculture industry for more than 30 years. The company develops seeds for cotton, cereals, oil crops and fodder crops. Founded in 1983, Krishidhan Seeds’ corporate office is in Pune.
Known for its drugs that treat tuberculosis and antibiotics for infections including pneumonia and meningitis, global pharmaceutical company Lupin operates 18 manufacturing sites around the world. Headquartered in Bangalore, the company employs 20,000 people across six continents. Lupin’s Pune manufacturing site was established in 2008.
String Bio uses synthetic biology, fermentation and chemistry to manufacture products for agriculture, nutrition and the personal care industry. Its proprietary biotech-hardware platform, the String Integrated Methane Platform, extracts methane from natural gas or biogas derived from food waste and uses it to produce alternative protein powders for use in animal feed.
Thermo Fisher Scientific has more than 65 locations around the world, providing end-to-end drug development. Its Patheon brand offers commercial manufacturing, services for drug development and clinical trial logistics. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Thermo Fisher Scientific has been operating in India since 1996.
KF Bioplants studies plants and develops processes for cultivating flora for export to other countries. The company uses its extensive lab space to test the effects of LED lighting on plants and mass propagation methods used on commercial farms.
Avantor manufactures and sells chemicals and materials used in research laboratories across the biopharma, healthcare, education and government sectors. Founded in 1904 as a chemical company, Avantor is now listed in the Fortune 500 and employs more than 10,000 people around the world. The company maintains several locations across India.
ArrayGen Technologies is a biotechnology research company that studies genetic materials for national and international clients. Through its specialized algorithm development, the company provides several services like microRNA transcription and genome splicing.
Headquartered in Pune, Praj Industries specializes in bioenergy and clean water solutions. Its products are used in wastewater treatment systems and breweries. Founded in 1983 as a supplier of ethanol plants, Praj Industries now has a presence in more than 100 countries around the world.
Panacea Biotec’s liquid vaccine EasySix targets six common childhood ailments: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, flu B, hepatitis B and polio. Known for its innovative vaccines like this, Panacea’s work is aimed at reducing childhood mortality. The company has supplied more than 10 billion polio vaccines over the last 20 years as a trusted partner for organizations like the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries produces and supplies over 500 specialty ingredients, including enzymes for biodiesel production, ingredients for beef and poultry feed and biological pest control solutions. The company supplies customers in more than 120 countries and maintains two locations in India.
Enzene Biosciences is a biotech company using science and technology to enhance global health by developing affordable medicine. When developing new healthcare solutions, the company takes complete control of the process by using its various facilities for R&D and manufacturing. Some of Enzene’s biotech services include cell line engineering, synthetic peptides and microbial manufacturing.
Global biotech company Bayer has its Bayer Crop Science arm in Pune. Operating in India since 1986, the company’s crop science division offers seeds, crop protection products and digital insights for farmers. Bayer’s commitment to the UN’s Zero Hunger initiative includes development of its Arize rice in India, bred with blight resistance.
Based in Pune, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals creates bio-therapeutics and vaccines using recombinant DNA technologies and bio-manufacturing processes. Its Elaxim 40 Injection, an emergency treatment for heart attacks, has been delivered more than 200,000 times since its creation in 2007.
Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, employing nearly 100,000 people around the globe. The pharmaceutical company develops essential medications like antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. In 2024, Roche opened its new Digital Centre of Excellence in Pune, a 200,000 square foot campus built to host more than 1,000 employees.
Known as Merck & Co. in the United States, MSD is a global biotech company that develops medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products. The company’s MSD for Mothers program works to end maternal mortality around the world. Its Pune location is home to the Human Health Insights division.
Johnson & Johnson is a global pharmaceutical company developing medicine for multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology and neuroscience. Apart from medical developments, the company conducts bio-research for its hair, skin and over-the-counter products.
