Subject: Science and Technology

Why in the News?

The Union Budget 2026-27 launched BioPharma SHAKTI with ₹10,000 crore to build a global biologics and biosimilars hub. This marks a shift beyond generic drugs. The article highlights failures of animal models (e.g., 2006 Northwick Park trial), raising concerns in biologics research. It brings focus on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) as part of broader technological and regulatory upgrades.

Why are animal models increasingly considered unreliable in biologics research?

1. Northwick Park trial (2006): Phase I trial of TGN1412, a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a lab-made protein targeting specific human antigens, caused severe adverse reactions in humans despite safe monkey testing. Shows failure of animal models in biologics.
2. Clinical failure evidence: Semagacestat (2022) failed in 457 Alzheimer’s patients despite success in mouse models. Shows poor human translation.
3. Human-specific action of biologics: Biologics such as mAbs act on highly specific human immune pathways. Animal systems cannot replicate this accurately.
4. Species-specific differences: Variations in receptors and immune responses reduce predictive reliability across species.
5. Complexity of biologics: Interactions in human biological systems are multi-layered and not reproducible in animals.
6. Safety risks: Inadequate prediction of human response increases risk in clinical trials. 

What are Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs) and how do they work?

Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs) are innovative, human-relevant scientific tools, including computational models, cell-based systems (like organ-on-a-chip), and artificial intelligence, used to assess chemical safety, drug efficacy, or toxicity without animal testing. They work by simulating human biology at the molecular, cellular, or tissue level to provide faster, more accurate, and ethical predictive data than traditional animal studies.

How do NAMs Work?

1. In Vitro Systems: Using human cell cultures, organoids, or organs-on-chips (e.g., Emulate’s liver-on-a-chip) to replicate human organ function and predict toxic responses.
2. In Silico/Computational Modeling: Utilizing computer modeling, AI, and big data to predict how a chemical will behave or interact with biological systems based on known data.
3. In Chemico/Molecular Techniques: Investigating chemical interactions with molecules, such as DNA or proteins, to assess reactivity.
4. “Omics” Studies: Using genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to analyze cellular responses, focusing on molecular events rather than late-stage pathology.

Where are NAMs being implemented?

1. India: New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2023 enable use of non-animal data.
2. Global trend: Regulators example in UK are encouraging shift toward human-relevant models. 

What are Biologics?

Biologics are complex, high-precision medicines derived from living sources, such as human, animal, or microorganism cells, rather than chemical synthesis. Used to treat diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare genetic conditions, they are administered via injection or infusion to target specific molecular pathways. 

Key Aspects of Biologics

1. Composition: They are large, intricate molecules, such as proteins, antibodies, or gene therapies, making them much more complex than small-molecule chemical drugs
2. Production: Unlike synthetic drugs, biologics are “grown” or manufactured using engineered cells in a laboratory, requiring rigorous production monitoring
3. Administration: Because they are large, delicate molecules that would be broken down by stomach acid, they are given by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion
4. Mechanism: They are targeted therapies, designed to interact with specific parts of the immune system or other biological pathways to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.

How does BioPharma SHAKTI aim to transform India’s biologics sector?

1. Domestic manufacturing push: Strengthens local production of biologics and biosimilars.
2. Innovation ecosystem: Supports development of advanced human-relevant models.
3. Cost efficiency: Reduces drug development costs by 10-26% (2019 analysis).
4. Time reduction: Shortens lead optimization timelines by ~15%.
5. Global competitiveness: Positions India as a hub for next-generation drug development. 

What are the economic and regulatory challenges in adopting NAMs?

1. High infrastructure costs: Requires investment of ₹10,000 crore under BioPharma SHAKTI.
2. Patent barriers: Extended exclusivity (e.g., trastuzumab case) delays biosimilar entry until 2018.
3. Regulatory lag: CDSCO approvals based on outdated guidelines.
4. Validation challenges: Lack of standardized protocols for NAMs.
5. Investor hesitation: Limited risk appetite in emerging technologies. 

How can NAMs improve efficiency and outcomes in drug development?

1. Precision medicine: Enables patient-specific testing using human cells.
2. Reduced attrition rates: Improves success rates in clinical trials.
3. Ethical compliance: Aligns with global shift toward cruelty-free testing.
4. Faster approvals: Reliable data accelerates regulatory processes.
5. Better disease modelling: Particularly useful for complex diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. 

Why is regulatory reform crucial for the success of BioPharma SHAKTI?

1. Policy alignment: Ensures NAMs are integrated into approval frameworks.
2. Guideline modernization: Updates CDSCO standards for emerging technologies.
3. Validation systems: Establishes independent validation mechanisms.
4. Industry confidence: Encourages investment and adoption.
5. Global harmonization: Aligns India with EU and US regulatory practices. 

Conclusion

BioPharma SHAKTI represents a paradigm shift toward human-centric drug development. Its success depends on regulatory reforms, investment, and industry collaboration. Transitioning from animal models to NAMs enhances safety, efficiency, and ethical compliance, positioning India as a leader in biologics innovation.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2018] Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?

Linkage: This PYQ highlights growth of biotechnology in driving biopharma innovation, biologics, and advanced drug development systems. BioPharma SHAKTI and shift to human-relevant models (NAMs) reflect this transition toward more reliable and modern biopharmaceutical research.