Global pharma major Lupin is accelerating its digital transformation to streamline operations, hasten drug discovery, and champion patient-centricity.

 From automating supply chain processes to leveraging big data analytics for improved decision-making, Lupin is streamlining operations and accelerating drug discovery and development via digital tools. Ramesh Swaminathan, executive-director, global CFO, head of IT and API Plus SBU, Lupin, speaks to Sudhir Chowdhary on how the pharma major is utilising AI, Industrial Internet of Things, robotics and automation across its operations and placing patient-centricity at the forefront. Excerpts:

Where would you place Lupin in terms of its digital transformation journey?

Lupin’s digital transformation journey is not just about technology – it’s about making Lupin more human, responsive, and future-fit. We are using digital tools to break down barriers, improve patient outcomes, and ensure that our teams are empowered, agile, and ready for the future of healthcare.

For instance, we are harnessing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and AI for predictive insights and smarter decisions and operational excellence. We are also piloting and scaling GenAI use cases across commercial, manufacturing, and quality operations. Robotics and automation are being introduced in our plants, and our cybersecurity protocols have been reinforced with AI-based anomaly detection.

How does digital ensure better health outcomes?

We leverage the strength of digital to make the customer experience more pleasing. Our LYFE digital therapeutics platform combines AI-led cardiac monitoring with coaching and emergency response, reaching over 380 Indian districts. HuMrahi, Lupin’s patient support programme for diabetes and cardiac conditions, supported over 100,000 patients in FY25 and is available in 12 languages.

Lupin’s Joint Airways Initiative (JAI), India’s first digital asthma educator platform, guides patients on correct inhaler use and disease management. The company’s breast cancer screening initiative, in partnership with Niramai, uses AI-based Thermalytix for early, non-invasive detection and has 70% higher accuracy than manual thermography. In short, digital innovation continues to be a key enabler of Lupin’s strategy to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes.

Which technologies are you most excited about for the healthcare sector?

Artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly emerging as key drivers throughout the pharmaceutical value chain, encompassing early-stage research and development as well as commercial operations. At Lupin, we are embracing AI and GenAI to drive smarter, faster, and more efficient operations across the value chain. Our AI initiatives are reshaping how we work, from field operations to manufacturing and compliance.

For instance, the Smart Manufacturing Hub provides AI-enabled insights for manufacturing and maintenance operations. Quality Co-Author is another AI initiative that automates and accelerates documentation like SOPs and QRAs, ensuring compliance and efficiency. The OOS Navigator is yet another tool that streamlines investigations with AI-driven root cause analysis and auto-generated reports. We are also using AI to aid in our sales force training programmes.

 What are the key business priorities in the near future?

Nearly 70% of our R&D spend is focused on complex and specialty products, and we anticipate R&D investments to be between 7.5% and 8.5% of revenue in FY26. Digital transformation is at the heart of our patient-centric approach. By integrating digital and R&D investments with our expanding presence in diagnostics, neurorehabilitation, and consumer health, we focus on comprehensive, accessible, and outcome-driven healthcare solutions for patients globally.

Over the next five years, we aim to introduce more than 80 new products in India and file over 60 new applications for the US market. We are deepening our focus in high-growth therapeutic areas like gastrointestinal, oncology, central nervous system, and biosimilars.

Our ongoing commitment is to build a leading global specialty business, leveraging both in-house innovation and strategic acquisitions. We are broadening our reach in key international markets, including Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, and the Philippines. We are scaling up our adjacent businesses, enabling support for our patients at every stage of their health journey. We are confident that our focused investments in R&D, patient-centric approach to building specialty brands, and efforts in driving efficiencies will drive sustainable growth in the years ahead.

This interview was first published in the Financial Express (print and online), on October 26, 2025.