As the pharmaceutical industry embraces technology-driven, asset-light models, virtual manufacturing is redefining API supply chains. In this exclusive interview, Hari Kiran Chereddi, Managing Director of HRV Global Life Sciences & CEO of New Horizon Global Pharma, speaks with Dr. Asawari Savant from Elets News Network (ENN) about how this transformation enhances cost efficiency, scalability, and regulatory agility. He also shares insights into the future of pharma supply chains and more. Edited excerpts 

HRV Global Life Sciences is India’s first integrated virtual pharmaceutical company. How does the virtual manufacturing model enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve scalability compared to traditional pharma manufacturing?

As India’s first virtual pharmaceutical company with an integrated model, transforming API supply chains through a technology-led approach, we are leading the way. Unlike conventional pharmaceutical manufacturers that require significant capital investment in manufacturing infrastructure, HRV leverages strategic collaborations with cGMP-certified manufacturers. This asset-light and agile strategy optimizes efficiency by eliminating fixed infrastructure costs, minimizing overheads, and enabling flexible production scaling in response to market demands.

By adopting a virtual model for the first time, we reduce production downtime, swiftly adapt to changing regulations, and maintain lean operations across geographies. This model allows rapid onboarding of new molecules, significantly reducing time-to-market for APIs and Finished Dosage Forms (FDFs). As a result, HRV Global delivers cost-effective manufacturing and increased scalability, positioning itself as a global leader in pharmaceutical supply chain transformation.

With HRV Global Life Sciences pioneering virtual API manufacturing and NH Global Pharma specializing in API exports and food-grade chemicals, how do both companies complement each other in terms of operations, market expansion, and strategic growth?

HRV Global Life Sciences and NH Global Pharma are essentially part of the same ecosystem, offering comprehensive solutions for API manufacturing, exports, and specialty pharmaceutical services, segmented by geography.

Together, we enhance supply chain resilience, streamline regulatory approvals, and drive strategic growth in high-demand therapeutic segments such as oncology, orphan diseases, and veterinary medicine. Our operations span over six countries and continue to expand, strengthening our foothold in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Operating across India, the USA, Dubai, and Lithuania involves navigating diverse regulatory landscapes. What key strategies have you implemented to ensure seamless compliance with global pharmaceutical standards while maintaining high-quality production?

With operations spanning multiple regulatory environments—including India, the USA, Switzerland, the UAE, and Lithuania—a robust compliance strategy is crucial. HRV Global and NH Global ensure seamless regulatory adherence through:

• A centralized digital compliance system that continuously tracks and updates global regulatory requirements in real-time.
• Strategic partnerships with leading cGMP, USFDA, and EU-GMP-approved manufacturers to maintain consistent quality standards.
• A dedicated in-house regulatory affairs team that efficiently manages DMF submissions, CEP approvals, and FDA filings.

These measures minimize regulatory risks, accelerate market approvals, and uphold the highest standards of pharmaceutical quality and safety.

HRV Global emphasizes technology-driven solutions. What role do AI, digital platforms, and data analytics play in optimizing supply chain efficiency, demand forecasting, and pharmaceutical market penetration?

Technology is at the core of our business, enabling a smarter and more efficient pharmaceutical supply chain.

AI, digital platforms, and data analytics enhance our operations in several key ways:

• Demand Forecasting: AI-driven predictive analytics help us anticipate market demand, preventing overproduction and stockouts.
• Supply Chain Visibility: Real-time tracking improves risk management and ensures quick responses to disruptions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Advanced analytics optimize pricing strategies, procurement efficiency, and supplier performance assessments.
• Digital Contract Manufacturing Platforms: These platforms streamline collaboration between HRV and contract manufacturers, increasing transparency and accelerating production cycles.

Also Read :- Livlong 365 Eyes 200–300% Growth with ABHA Integration,Livlong 365 Eyes Pioneering India’s Digital Healthcare Revolution

Given the increasing need for supply chain resilience in pharma, especially post-pandemic, how are HRV Global and NH Global ensuring supply chain agility while maintaining cost efficiency and regulatory adherence?

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for agile and resilient pharmaceutical supply chains. HRV Global and NH Global have implemented several critical strategies to enhance resilience:

• Multi-Sourcing API Production: Reducing reliance on single suppliers to mitigate risks.
• Regionalized Warehousing and Distribution: Ensuring rapid delivery worldwide and minimizing supply chain bottlenecks.
• Automated Inventory Management: AI-driven systems monitor global demand-supply trends to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
• Blockchain-Based Traceability: Enhancing quality control and compliance tracking across the supply chain.

With the pharma industry facing growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, what ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives have HRV Global and NH Global undertaken to align with global sustainability goals?

Sustainability is a core focus for both HRV Global and NH Global. In response to increasing ESG expectations, we have implemented several initiatives:

• Green Chemistry Practices: Reducing carbon footprints and minimizing waste generation.
• Sustainable Manufacturing: Partnering with factories that implement energy-efficient processes and responsible raw material sourcing.
• Ethical Governance: Upholding transparency in regulatory compliance and business conduct to ensure ethical operations.

With HRV Global generating over USD 50 million in revenue and NH Global expanding its global footprint, what are your strategic priorities for the next five years? How do you see the pharmaceutical and API manufacturing landscape evolving?

Having surpassed the USD 50 million revenue mark and aggressively expanding globally, our strategic priorities for the next five years include:

• Expanding into Finished Dosage Forms (FDFs): Transitioning beyond APIs to build a fully integrated pharmaceutical ecosystem.
• Regulatory Strengthening: Filing over 100 USDMFs and CEPs by 2028 to solidify our presence in developed markets.
• Global Market Expansion: Entering 30+ new markets through strategic alliances with Tier-1 pharmaceutical companies.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Fundraising: Actively pursuing M&A opportunities and funding initiatives to accelerate growth.

The pharmaceutical industry is evolving rapidly, with increased regulatory scrutiny, a rising demand for personalized medicine, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. With our virtual manufacturing expertise, strong regulatory capabilities, and aggressive market expansion strategies, we are well-positioned to lead the future of pharmaceutical innovation.

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