In a world where India is often hailed as the “pharmacy of the world,” it’s ironic that the country still relies heavily on imports for critical pharmaceutical raw materials. Enter PYG Lifesciences Private Limited, a homegrown startup founded by Priya Gupta and her husband Siddhartha Gupta in 2021. With a mission to make India self-reliant in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates and specialty chemicals, PYG Lifesciences is not just a business—it’s a movement aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Founder’s Journey: From Media to Manufacturing
Priya Gupta’s professional journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision. Starting her career in media with stints at NDTV and Indian Express, she honed her communication and analytical skills before transitioning into the corporate world. Her experience in green hydrogen technology at Hydrogen Gentech further broadened her horizons, but it was the post-COVID era that sparked a new direction.
“The pandemic made us rethink our priorities and the gaps in our industries,” Priya recalls. “Siddhartha and I identified a critical issue in the Indian pharmaceutical sector—the heavy reliance on imported intermediates for bulk drug and API manufacturing. We realized that India, being the pharma capital of the world, shouldn’t face this dependency.”
This realization led to the birth of PYG Lifesciences, formerly known as PY Genrone Intermediates Pvt Ltd. Today, as the Director of Business Development and Marketing, Priya is at the forefront of transforming India’s chemical manufacturing landscape.
The Genesis of PYG Lifesciences: Solving a Critical Gap
The inspiration behind PYG Lifesciences was clear: to reduce India’s dependency on imported pharmaceutical raw materials.
“The gap in the Indian pharmaceutical industry related to raw materials and specialty chemicals was glaring,” Priya explains. “We wanted to create a solution that would empower Indian businesses and contribute to the nation’s self-reliance.”
The startup focuses on developing high-quality intermediates and specialty chemicals for therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular diseases, neurology, oncology, respiratory conditions, and metabolic disorders. With a state-of-the-art pilot plant and R&D center in Gujarat, PYG Lifesciences is pioneering innovative solutions that cater to the specific needs of the Indian pharmaceutical industry.
Unique Selling Proposition: Innovation and Self-Reliance
What sets PYG Lifesciences apart is its commitment to innovation and self-reliance. The company has developed in-house manufacturing technologies for critical intermediates, validated through its pilot plant, and is now scaling up to commercial production.
“Our focus is not just on manufacturing but on creating cutting-edge solutions that meet global standards,” Priya says. “We’re not just competing with imports; we’re setting new benchmarks for quality and reliability.”
Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating a Competitive Landscape
Building a startup in a sector dominated by low-cost Chinese imports hasn’t been easy.
“The biggest challenge is the price dumping by Chinese players,” Priya admits. “They offer chemicals at very low prices without providing regulatory support or quality certifications. This makes it difficult for Indian manufacturers to compete.”
However, PYG Lifesciences has turned this challenge into an opportunity by focusing on quality, transparency, and regulatory compliance. The company’s dedication to ethical practices and continuous innovation has helped it carve a niche in the market.
A significant milestone came with the Indian government’s push for self-reliance.
“The focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat has been a game-changer for us,” Priya shares. “It has encouraged us to develop our own technologies and set up commercial-scale manufacturing units.”
Milestones and Achievements: A Journey of Growth
In just four years, PYG Lifesciences has achieved remarkable milestones. The company has developed technologies for critical intermediates, validated them at the pilot scale, and is now gearing up to commission its commercial plant in the first quarter of FY 2025-26.
“Our proudest moment has been seeing our vision come to life,” Priya says. “From inception to developing our own technologies and setting up a commercial plant, it’s been a journey of perseverance and passion.”
Future Roadmap: Scaling Up and Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, PYG Lifesciences has ambitious plans. The company aims to expand its manufacturing capacity fivefold and introduce more products to further reduce India’s dependency on imports.
“In the next five years, we see ourselves as a key player in the Indian pharmaceutical industry,” Priya says. “Our goal is to make India self-reliant in every aspect of chemical manufacturing.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Lessons from the Journey
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Priya’s advice is simple yet profound:
“Stay focused on your vision, be adaptable, and never stop learning.”
Reflecting on her journey, she adds,
“If I could do anything differently, I would have started sooner. But every challenge has been a learning experience, and that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.”
Conclusion: A Vision for a Self-Reliant India
PYG Lifesciences is more than a startup; it’s a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and perseverance. Under Priya Gupta’s leadership, the company is redefining the future of Indian chemical manufacturing, one innovation at a time.
As Priya aptly puts it,
“Join us as we take a path toward a self-reliant India. Together, we can empower businesses and build a sustainable future.”
To learn more about PYG Lifesciences and their innovative solutions, visit their LinkedIn profile or reach out to them at director@pyglifesciences.com.