Emerging like a phoenix from the major fire tragedy that happened a few years ago, Nagpur’s Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialities Pvt Ltd has scripted a glorious story by bagging the research grant of Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST). ‘The Hitavada’ has learnt that the amount of the grant, which Government would declare later, is the highest to be received by any pharma company across India. In its continued endeavour to bolster India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependency on imports, the TDB, DST, has extended this financial support to M/s Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Private Limited, Nagpur, for its project titled ‘Manufacture of Complex Excipients’.

 

In December 2016, a major fire caused a lot of damage to Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialities Private Limited. But that did not deter Managing Director of M/s Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Pvt. Ltd. Dr Ravleen Singh Khurana and his team who endeavored to rise like a phoenix. Excipients, though pharmacologically inactive, are critical to the functionality, stability, and delivery of medicines. As drug formulations become increasingly sophisticated—with the rise of complex generics, biopharmaceuticals, and novel delivery systems—the demand for high-quality, tailor-made excipients has surged globally. India, despite being a pharmaceutical powerhouse, continues to import the bulk of these complex excipients from countries like the United States, China, and France.

 

Through this project, M/s Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties aims to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for commercial-scale production of 14 complex excipients that cater to advanced pharmaceutical applications. These products will be developed in line with the Quality by Design (QbD) framework, ensuring precision in parameters like surface area, particle size, and stability to meet international standards. Established in 1991 and later incorporated as a Private Limited Company in 2011, Nitika has evolved into a trusted global supplier of fine chemicals and specialty excipients. With a DSIR-recognised in-house Research and Development facility and a global footprint across 90 countries, the company is well-positioned to translate this project into a significant leap towards self-reliance in pharma auxiliary production. The project is also aligned with the Government of India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals, under which M/s Nitika has been selected as a beneficiary under Group C – MSME (Pharmaceuticals).

 

TDB’s support complements the broader national mission of fostering indigenous manufacturing, reducing import dependency, and expanding India’s export potential in high-value pharmaceutical components. Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said: “India’s pharmaceutical strength must be matched with domestic resilience in critical inputs like excipients. TDB is pleased to support Nitika’s forward-looking project that strengthens India’s position not just as a pharmacy of the world, but also as a maker of world-class excipients. This initiative will boost both Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s capacity to support global health.” Commenting on the support, Dr Ravleen Singh Khurana who is also the President of Vidarbha unit of Laghu Udyog Bharati said: “This support from TDB reinforces our commitment to building world-class excipient solutions in India. With advanced infrastructure and a science-led approach, we aim to reduce our country’s dependence on imported excipients and emerge as a global leader in pharmaceutical ingredients developed and manufactured domestically.”