The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is providing financial support to Ms. Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Private Limited, Nagpur, for the indigenous manufacturing of complex pharmaceutical excipients. This initiative aims to reduce India's reliance on imported excipients, critical yet pharmacologically inactive components essential for drug functionality and stability. Ms. Nitika plans to establish a state-of-the-art facility to produce 14 complex excipients, adhering to international standards and the Quality by Design (QbD) framework. The project aligns with the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, where Ms. Nitika is a beneficiary, and supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and export potential. TDB's support is expected to enhance India's position in the global pharmaceutical market and promote self-reliance in essential pharmaceutical ingredients.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Science Technology: A government ministry involved in science and technology.
TDB: Technology Development Board, an organization that supports indigenous manufacturing.
Indigenous Manufacturing of Complex Pharmaceutical Excipients: A project supported by TDB.
Ms Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Pvt. Ltd.: A pharmaceutical company based in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Nagpur, Maharashtra: Location of Ms Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Pvt. Ltd.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi.
Department of Science and Technology DST: A department of the government involved in science and technology.
Manufacture of Complex Excipients: The project undertaken by Ms Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Private Limited.
Excipients: Pharmacologically inactive but critical components in medicines.
United States: A country from which India imports excipients.
China: A country from which India imports excipients.
France: A country from which India imports excipients.
Quality by Design QbD: A framework for ensuring precision in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
DSIR: An organization that recognizes in-house RD facilities.
RD: Research and Development.
Government of India: The governing body of India.
Production Linked Incentive PLI scheme: A government scheme for pharmaceuticals.
Group C MSME Pharmaceuticals: A category under the PLI scheme.
Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak: Secretary, TDB.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: A campaign promoting self-reliance in India.
NKRPSM: An entity associated with the release ID.
Ministry of Science & Technology
TDB supports Indigenous Manufacturing of Complex
Pharmaceutical Excipients by M/s Nitika
Pharmaceutical Specialties Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur,
Maharashtra
Posted On: 02 JUN 2025 5:28PM by PIB Delhi
In its continued endeavour to bolster India's pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependency
on imports, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), has
extended financial support to M/s Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Private Limited, Nagpur, for their project
titled “Manufacture of Complex Excipients.”
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-recognized in-house R&D
facility and a global footprint across 90 countries, the company is well-positioned to translate this project into
a significant leap toward 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, Sh. 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, the leadership of M/s Nitika Pharmaceutical Specialties Pvt. Ltd. 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 dependency on imported
excipients and emerge as a global leader in pharmaceutical ingredients developed and manufactured
domestically."***
NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2133315)