When I visited Biocon’s headquarters in Bengaluru, India, I expected a polished corporate tour. What I saw went far beyond that.
Biocon isn’t just a pharmaceutical giant—it’s a living case study of how science can serve humanity. Founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, a pioneering entrepreneur and visionary leader, Biocon has grown into a global beacon for affordable healthcare.
I was part of a group of African journalists invited to see how India is advancing healthcare innovation. Our visit to Biocon showed what’s possible when purpose meets technology.
Journalists were warmly welcomed by Seema Ahuja, SVP & Global Head of Communications & Corporate Brand, who gave us valuable insights about Biocon. She escorted us throughout the visit with openness and enthusiasm, leaving everyone happy and inspired after the meeting.
We were taken through high-tech labs and manufacturing units, where the company develops and produces affordable medicines used around the world.
Biocon’s reach spans 120 countries. But its mission—healthcare for all—is one that speaks directly to Africa’s challenges.
The company has nine biosimilars already on the market from its pipeline of 20. It plans to launch 20 more.
One of its biggest achievements? Becoming the first to receive approval for its breast cancer drug Trastuzumab, a biosimilar to Herceptin in 2017 and most recently, becoming the first to launch generic Liraglutide in the UK—a critical diabetes and obesity drug. That’s a first in any regulated market.
In Africa, where the cost of treating non-communicable diseases remains high, that kind of breakthrough could make a real difference.
During the tour, we saw how Biocon manufactures APIs, finishes dosages, and complies with the strictest international standards. Over 90 global GMP approvals say it all.
They don’t just make medicines. They make them accessible, at scale.
After the tour, doctors and leaders shared insights with us journalists—Rhonda Duffy, Chief Operating Officer; Ankur Bhatnagar, Global Head of R&D-CMC; Ratish Trehan, Head of Commercial – Emerging Markets; Amit Kaptain, Head Commercial Generic APIs, Naveen Narayanan, Global Head of HR, and Seema Ahuja, Global Head of Corporate Brand & Communications.
The conversation turned to Africa—our needs, our health systems, our future.
They didn’t just speak. They listened.
We heard about Biocon Foundation, which runs health programs, clinics, and educational initiatives across India. We learned about Biocon Academy, which trains young scientists for the future.
We also saw their ESG goals in action: 78% water reuse, 90% waste circularity, over 218,000 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided. These are not soft targets. They’re serious commitments.
What struck me most was this: Biocon’s model is not charity. It’s not aid. It’s partnership.
It proves that a company can scale globally, remain affordable, and stay true to public good.
Africa needs more of that.
Instead of importing high-cost medicines or waiting for donations, we should be thinking bigger—building relationships with innovators like Biocon, and adapting these systems to local needs.
Affordable healthcare shouldn’t be a dream. It should be a decision.
Biocon made theirs. Now it’s our turn.
By Abdirisak Mohamud Turyare
The views expressed are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect Shabelle Media’s editorial stance.
