How Hyderabad is Turning into a Hub for Life Science GCCs
Hyderabad is rapidly establishing itself as a major life sciences hub, rivaling Bengaluru, thanks to a robust state-supported business ecosystem attracting global capability centres (GCCs) at an unprecedented pace. As per reports, Telangana’s life sciences sector has recorded an impressive 23% growth in recent years, outpacing the national average of 14%, making the city a preferred destination for life sciences and healthcare (LSHC) companies. Amgen, a US-based biopharmaceutical company, inaugurated its largest innovation centre in Hyderabad on Monday. CEO Robert Bradway announced a $200 million (approximately ₹1,600 crore) investment in a 5.24 lakh sq ft facility in an IT hub in Hyderabad’s Madhapur, with the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 employees, with additional investments planned in the coming years. The city’s dominance was reinforced at the 22nd edition of BioAsia 2025 held in Hyderabad. The summit embraced the theme ‘Catalyst for Change’, highlighting its role as a driving force in the industry’s evolution. Major global players, including Amgen, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Meishi Pharma, Miltenyi Biotec, Agilisium, and ALS, have expanded their presence in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, MSD, a US-based leading biopharmaceutical company, joined Telangana’s expanding life sciences ecosystem. At the summit, Dave Williams, MSD’s executive vice president, chief information and digital officer, said, “We also operate in multiple therapy areas including oncology, diabetes, vaccines, and animal health. We are also proud to manufacture products in India for India and the rest of the world.” Williams further announced the launch of MSD’s new technology centre in Hyderabad, which is expected to house 2,700 employees by the end of the year, with plans to “double that number or more” in a couple of years. He emphasised the importance of fostering a digital mindset within the life sciences sector. “This goes beyond having great technologists; it involves helping business partners understand the pivotal role technology can play in transforming the industry and accelerating processes for patients.” AI and Innovation in Drug Development At BioAsia 2025, Saptarsi Haldar, Amgen’s vice president and research head, highlighted how AI is revolutionising drug development, from protein engineering to clinical trials and regulatory approvals. Traditionally, developing protein-based drugs relied on trial-and-error. However, Amgen has built an AI model that predicts key attributes like viscosity with over 80% accuracy using protein sequences alone, significantly accelerating drug discovery. In precision medicine, Amgen’s proteomic risk scoring, developed through genomic and proteomic analysis of Icelandic populations, has nearly doubled the ability to identify high-risk patients, shaping personalised treatments. AI is also streamlining clinical trials, with Amgen’s AI tool ‘ATOMIC’ selecting trial sites that enroll patients 2.5 times faster. Meanwhile, AI-driven automation has reduced the preparation time of regulatory documents from months to seconds. “We are at a once-in-a-generation moment to transform patient care by combining scientific advancements with AI-driven innovations,” Haldar concluded. Strengthening Hyderabad’s Biotech Landscape Beyond Amgen and MSD, Hyderabad is experiencing a significant surge in R&D and biotech investments. Meishi Pharma Services has established its second R&D centre, while ALS has launched a state-of-the-art biopharma testing lab in Genome Valley. Miltenyi Biotec, a global biotechnology company, has set up a dedicated facility for cell and gene therapy, and Agilisium, a Los Angeles-based firm, has introduced a life sciences innovation lab in the city. Further strengthening Hyderabad’s biotech ecosystem, Telangana’s Green Pharma City initiative has received a major boost, with 11 leading pharmaceutical companies, including Bharat Biotech, Biological E, and Sai Life Sciences. These companies are investing ₹5,445 crore and generating 9,800 new jobs. Global Collaborations and Policy Initiatives Hyderabad’s global standing in life sciences continues to grow through key strategic partnerships. The University of Queensland has teamed up with Telangana Life Sciences to advance AI-driven healthcare innovations while Telangana’s selection as India’s first hub under the World Economic Forum’s India Digital Health Activator programme further reinforces its role in global health tech. Moreover, the launch of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Services Organisation (IPSO) aims to streamline regulatory processes and drive pharmaceutical advancements. Strengthening collaboration in healthcare, Health Innovation Manchester and T-Hub have joined forces to accelerate progress in healthcare, MedTech, and digital health. Future Roadmap: A Dedicated Life Sciences University As Hyderabad cements its position as a global life sciences hub, the Telangana government is set to unveil its Life Sciences Policy, aimed at fostering academic excellence, research, and domain expertise. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated Life Sciences University.
Telangana’s life sciences sector has recorded an impressive 23% growth in recent years, outpacing the national average of 14%.
Telangana’s life sciences sector has recorded an impressive 23% growth in recent years, outpacing the national average of 14%.
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Shalini is a senior tech journalist, exploring the latest advancements in AI. When she's not reporting on the latest innovations, you can find her immersed in her next literary adventure.