Building India’s Biosimilar Future: Dr. Sanjeev Gupta on Innovation and Self-Reliance in Biopharma
Pre-event Interview Series | 10th Annual CBT Course Series 2025, IIT Delhi
Host: Virender Singh, Founder of BioPatrika
Guest: Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, Senior Vice President & Head – Biosimilars, IPCA Laboratories
About the CBT Course Series 2025
The Center of Excellence for Biopharmaceutical Technology (COE-CBT) at IIT Delhi is organizing its annual training event — the 10th Annual CBT Course Series 2025, scheduled from 8th–10th December 2025.
This flagship program brings together experts from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies, fostering dialogue on the latest advances in bioprocessing, biologics manufacturing, and regulatory science.
✨ Secure your spot now — 10% off till 15th Nov 2025!
📄 Brochure: CBT Brochure 2025
Attendees from industry and academia are welcome to participate.
Interview with Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, IPCA Laboratories
About the Guest:
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta is Senior Vice President and Head of the Biosimilar Division at IPCA Laboratories, where he oversees R&D, manufacturing, and business operations. With over 25 years of experience in biosimilar development, Dr. Gupta has been instrumental in building end-to-end biopharma capabilities in India. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology, and has played a key role in advancing India’s self-reliance in cell line and process development.
Virender Singh: What inspired you to be part of the 10th Annual CBT Course Series 2025, and what aspects of this event are you most looking forward to?
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta: I think CBT is one of the platforms where we can gain a lot of knowledge and do valuable networking — not only scientific but also translational.
I have been attending CBT since around 2015, and every year it gets better. It’s one of the few events in India that is truly science-driven, where you can discuss, brainstorm, and learn from global experts. Both academic institutions and industries participate, making it an international platform.
I truly appreciate Dr. Anurag Rathore’s efforts in bringing people from across the world together to share and exchange knowledge. It’s a great forum to upgrade skills and stay connected with the latest in biopharma.
Virender Singh: The CBT Course brings together academia, industry, and regulatory experts. What unique perspective will you contribute this year?
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta: Since I come from industry and have seen the full lifecycle of biopharma development — from clone design to regulatory approval — I plan to share case studies on cell line engineering, clone development, and process development.
Historically, Indian companies relied heavily on licensing cell lines and processes from abroad. But now, I’m proud to say that Indian scientists have developed the in-house capability to build and optimize their own cell lines and processes. This self-reliance defines the quality and fate of any biosimilar molecule.
At CBT, I’ll be sharing real-world experiences, including both successes and failures, and highlighting the key parameters needed for success in biopharmaceutical development.
Virender Singh: That’s an encouraging development — India building its own IP around cell lines. How do you see CBT’s role in this ecosystem?
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta: When I started attending CBT around 2015–16, the courses mainly focused on process development. I had once suggested to Dr. Rathore that we include cell line development, as it’s the foundation of biomanufacturing. I’m glad to see that, over the years, CBT has evolved to cover everything from cell line development to regulatory frameworks.
Today, the event hosts experts from agencies like CDSCO and US-FDA, creating a complete learning ecosystem that covers everything from early R&D to global market approvals.”
Virender Singh: How do you think events like CBT help bridge the gap between academic research and biopharma industry applications?
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta: To a great extent! I must congratulate Dr. Rathore for this success. His experience from Amgen and the U.S. biopharma ecosystem helped him shape this initiative.
CBT has become a true collaboration platform — industry and academia coming together to discuss science and identify opportunities. There are now several examples where academic institutes and industries have partnered for technology transfer and translational research.
This is exactly what we see in the West, and it’s wonderful that such collaborations are taking shape in India too.
Virender Singh: This year’s theme covers Biopharma 4.0, Advanced Manufacturing, and Regulatory Frameworks. Why do you think these topics are especially important right now?
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta: It’s very critical — and I’ll say, it’s a must. Without adopting Biopharma 4.0, AI/ML, and QbD/DoE approaches, we simply cannot stay competitive.
These technologies help reduce development costs, accelerate timelines, and improve regulatory compliance. Even agencies like US-FDA are now relying on AI-driven tools for clinical data analysis.
At IPCA, we’re collaborating with Dr. Rathore’s lab on a process intensification project, applying AI/ML tools for in-process monitoring and predictive control. Such innovations enhance efficiency and cut costs — ultimately benefiting patients.
Biopharma 4.0 is the path forward for Indian biomanufacturing if we want to compete globally.”
Virender Singh: Finally, what advice would you like to give young researchers or professionals planning to attend CBT 2025?
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta: My message is simple — have passion and patience. If you truly want to achieve something, continuous learning is the key.
The CBT Course Series is a unique ecosystem where you can learn, network, and engage with experts from India and abroad — all in one place.
I encourage every student, researcher, and professional to attend, participate, brainstorm, and enjoy the sessions. You don’t have to travel the world — Dr. Rathore brings the world to you at IIT Delhi!
Closing Note
Thank you, Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, for sharing your valuable insights on India’s growing biosimilar ecosystem and the importance of self-reliance, collaboration, and technological innovation.
The CBT Course Series 2025 promises to be a powerful platform for learning, connection, and growth — driving the next chapter of India’s biopharma success story.
📅 Event Dates: December 8–10, 2025
📍 Venue: IIT Delhi
✨ Register now and get 10% off till 15th November 2025!
🔗 CBT Brochure 2025
Also check: CBT Course 2025 – Expert Insights: Dr. Narendra Chirmule
CBT Course 2025 – Expert Insights: Prof. Anurag Rathore IIT Delhi
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CBT Course 2025 – Expert Insights: Tom Fletcher, FUJIFILM Biosciences
