Centre Launches ₹5,000-Crore Scheme to Accelerate Pharma and MedTech R&D

Main Pointers
1. PRIP allocates ₹700 crore to establish seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) across India, focusing on antiviral/antibacterial drug discovery, medical devices, bulk drugs, flow chemistry, novel drug delivery systems, phytopharmaceuticals, and biological therapeutics.
2. ₹4,200 crore is set for Industry R&D Support, funding early-stage projects up to ₹5 crore and late-stage projects nearing commercialisation up to ₹100 crore, with caps at a share of total project cost and priority for public health areas, such as orphan drugs or antimicrobial resistance.
3. A Benefit-Share mechanism requires beneficiaries to contribute back via royalties or equity, with oversight by a Project Management Agency and an Empowered Committee led by the CEO of NITI Aayog, supported by expert committees from academia, industry, and government.