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PharmaCompass
2019-01-01
Impressions: 25
This week, SpeakPharma interviews Girish Chovatia, Chairman and Managing Director of Ami Lifesciences. Since its inception in 2006, Ami Lifesciences has emerged as one of the fastest-growing API manufacturers from India, delivering high-quality active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to global partners across more than 60 countries. With a portfolio of 80+ APIs and strong regulatory accreditations, including those from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the company has built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and customer-centricity.
Ami Lifesciences’ ability to combine chemistry expertise with forward-looking strategies such as backward integration, custom synthesis, and a growing focus on platform technologies for next-generation therapeutics sets it apart. The company’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, emphasis on regulatory compliance, and quality culture built from the development stage enable it to serve as a trusted partner to leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
In this interview, Chovatia shares key milestones in Ami Lifesciences’ growth journey, its approach to sustainability and innovation, and vision for expanding into new therapeutic areas and technologies to strengthen their global presence.
Ami Lifesciences has grown rapidly since it began API operations in 2006. What have been the key strategic decisions or turning points that have fueled this growth?
When we started API operations in 2006, we knew we were entering a highly competitive, globalized market. The key turning points in our journey were rooted in making bold but carefully thought-out strategic decisions. The first was building a quality-first culture from day one. We invested early in strong regulatory systems, which allowed us to secure approvals from agencies like FDA, EDQM and, PMDA, opening global markets.
Another major factor was our focus on complex chemistry and high-barrier molecules. Instead of competing only in crowded, generic APIs, we decided to differentiate ourselves by developing technically challenging products where our chemistry expertise could shine.
We also expanded our global footprint quickly, entering over 60 countries with a diverse product portfolio. Partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies gave us both credibility and growth momentum. Each milestone—from our first CEP approval to our first FDA clearance—strengthened our foundation.
Most importantly, we built a team that believes in long-term value creation, not shortcuts. That culture of quality, innovation, and customer trust continues to fuel our growth.
HIGHLIGHTS//
Building quality-first culture/focus on complex chemistry/ expanding global
footprint/belief in long-term value creation
With 80 APIs and a presence in more than 60 countries, how does Ami Lifesciences ensure regulatory compliance and maintain quality standards across such a diverse global footprint?
For us, regulatory compliance is not just a requirement—it is the backbone of our credibility. We’ve built a quality culture that starts from the development stage itself. Our dedicated DQA (Development Quality Assurance) and DRA (Development Regulatory Affairs) teams are involved right from early R&D, ensuring that every molecule is designed with regulatory expectations in mind.
All our facilities operate under stringent cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) conditions and are routinely audited by leading authorities, including the FDA, EDQM, PMDA, and multiple global partners. We have built robust systems for documentation, training, and monitoring that keep compliance non-negotiable.
Equally important is the mindset—we train our teams to think “compliance-first” in every activity, big or small. Whether it’s a lab scientist, a production engineer, or a QA associate, everyone knows that quality and compliance are paramount.
This integration of systems, people and, culture ensures that no matter which market we serve—be it the US, Europe, Japan, or emerging economies—our partners receive products of consistently high standards.
HIGHLIGHTS// Compliance backbone of credibility/stringent cGMP conditions/‘compliance-first mindset’/consistency in high standards
How does Ami Lifesciences’ backward integration across key molecules strengthen cost competitiveness and supply chain assurance for its global clients?
Backward integration has been a conscious strategy for us. In today’s environment, customers not only seek high-quality APIs but also security of supply and cost competitiveness. By investing in in-house development and manufacture of key intermediates, we reduce dependency on external vendors and volatile supply chains.
This gives us multiple advantages. First, it brings down costs and improves pricing stability, making us a more competitive partner globally. Second, it gives us greater control over timelines—something our clients value tremendously, especially in regulated markets. And third, it ensures resilience; even during global disruptions. We can assure our partners of uninterrupted supply.
In a market where reliability is as critical as cost, our backward integration strategy has become a cornerstone of trust and long-term partnerships.
HIGHLIGHTS//
Backward integration strategy/focus on in-house development/lower costs/control
over timelines global footprint/resilience during disruptions
How is Ami Lifesciences leveraging R&D capabilities and custom synthesis to drive innovation in various therapeutic areas?
Our R&D strength has always been at the core of our differentiation. We have over 150 scientists dedicated to developing APIs across complex therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
What sets us apart is our ability to go beyond standard generics. We focus on process innovation—green chemistry, enzymatic applications, and continuous improvement—to make synthesis routes not only cost-effective but also environmentally responsible.
Custom synthesis is another pillar. Many of our global partners approach us for tailor-made solutions—whether it’s a new intermediate, a complex chiral molecule, or a high-barrier API. Our flexible R&D infrastructure allows us to design and scale processes efficiently, from grams in the lab to multi-ton manufacturing.
By marrying strong chemistry capabilities with customer collaboration, we’ve positioned ourselves as more than a manufacturer—we’re an innovation partner contributing to faster, safer, and more affordable therapies worldwide.
HIGHLIGHTS//
Building quality-first culture/focus on complex chemistry/ expanding global
footprint/belief in long-term value creation
What are the next big milestones Ami Lifesciences is targeting in terms of product development and global expansion?
Looking ahead, we see the future of Ami Lifesciences in both depth and diversification. On the product side, we are expanding into next-generation therapeutics—with focus areas including oncology APIs, ADC payloads and linkers, short peptides, and select biotechnology platforms. These are high-value, high-science areas where our chemistry expertise and process innovation can create significant impact.
We are also investing in platform technologies that can be applied across multiple therapeutic areas, giving us a strategic edge in next-gen molecules.
From a global perspective, our milestones include broadening our presence in regulated markets like the US, Europe, and Japan, while simultaneously strengthening our reach in fast-growing markets across Asia, LATAM, and Africa.
Our guiding principle is to stay ahead of the curve—building a portfolio and capabilities that align with where global healthcare is heading, not just where it is today.
HIGHLIGHTS// Expanding
to new-gen therapeutics/investing in platform technologies/ broadening presence
in regulated markets/staying ahead of the curve
Could you elaborate on Ami Lifesciences’ ESG initiatives and how they are integrated into your manufacturing and business strategy?
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s integral to how we do business. At Ami, we’ve made ESG a central pillar of our growth strategy.
On the environmental front, we are pioneers in integrating green chemistry and enzymatic applications into our processes. By leveraging biocatalysis, we reduce reliance on harsh chemicals, improve atom economy, and minimize energy usage. Our plants are designed for solvent recovery, water recycling, and energy efficiency, with strong commitments to waste reduction and zero liquid discharge.
Socially, we invest heavily in our people and communities. From training and development to ensuring a safe workplace, we believe our people are our greatest asset. Beyond our facilities, we engage in education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives that uplift surrounding communities.
On governance, we run with transparency, accountability, and ethics at the forefront. Our systems ensure compliance not just with laws but with global best practices in corporate responsibility.
This holistic ESG framework ensures that as we grow, we do so responsibly create value for customers, employees, communities, and the environment alike.
HIGHLIGHTS//
Building quality-first culture/focus on complex chemistry/ expanding global
footprint/belief in long-term value creation
How does Ami Lifesciences’ manufacturing infrastructure enhance scalability and quality for its clients?
Our manufacturing infrastructure is built for both flexibility and scale. Our Karakhadi facility (in Gujarat) is approved by leading agencies such as FDA, EDQM, ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency), NMPA (National Medical Products Administration of China) and KMFDS (Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety).
Our products are filed in many other regulatory agencies like PMDA of Japan, NMPA of China, Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia and Health Canada; giving our partners complete confidence in compliance and quality.
The facility has multi-purpose production blocks, allowing us to handle diverse chemistries and scale projects seamlessly—from grams in the lab to multi-ton commercial quantities. This scalability is a key advantage for customers looking for a partner that can support them across the product lifecycle.
We further strengthen supply reliability through backward integration of intermediates, which secures both cost efficiency and supply assurance.
What makes us unique is the way we integrate quality and sustainability into manufacturing. By embedding quality from the development stage and incorporating green chemistry and enzymatic processes, we ensure that our output is not only reliable and compliant but also environmentally responsible.
This combination of regulatory strength, scalability, and sustainable practices makes Ami a trusted long-term partner for leading pharma companies worldwide.
HIGHLIGHTS// Flexible, scalable manufacturing infrastructure/facility approved by leading regulators/multi-purpose production blocks/quality, sustainability integrated into manufacturing 
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