AD Agencies
Indegene snaps up BioPharm to muscle into AI-powered pharma advertising
PENNSYLVANIA: Indegene is buying BioPharm Communications, a specialised marketing agency serving 17 of the world’s top 25 biopharma firms. The acquisition, announced on 1 October, will bolt adtech capabilities onto the Indian company’s commercialisation portfolio and cement its position in data-driven omnichannel marketing for global pharma.
BioPharm, based in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is part of Omnicom Health Group. It brings 20 years of expertise in omnichannel strategy, media planning and execution, and precision marketing powered by analytics and automation. The deal is being done through ILSL Inc., a subsidiary of Indegene Ltd.
The timing is strategic. Pharma companies are scrambling to transform their marketing as physicians favour limited engagement and regulatory complexities mount. Traditional healthcare agencies are struggling to keep pace. Meanwhile, companies are juggling mature product portfolios whilst ramping up capabilities for new launches—all whilst trying to boost productivity.
“BioPharm has built an impressive growth flywheel, with advanced tech capabilities, deep therapeutic expertise, and long-standing client relationships,” said Indegene chairman and chief executive Manish Gupta. “This acquisition reinforces our position as the preferred tech-native commercialisation partner for the life sciences industry.”
BioPharm president Steve Carickhoff said Indegene was a natural home given its innovation-first, employee-centric culture backed by strong technology platforms and a global delivery model. “Their life sciences-contextualised approach to AI will open up new possibilities. Together, we will push the boundaries of AI-powered pharma marketing worldwide—delivering more personalised, measurable, and patient-focused outcomes.”
BioPharm operates a proprietary network of more than 3 million healthcare decision-makers, which it uses for precision targeting and addressable media campaigns. Combined with Indegene’s data assets, the acquisition should drive higher media returns on investment and enable more effective automated operations.
Indegene, listed on the BSE and NSE, describes itself as the tech-native life sciences specialist that orchestrates the path from commercialisation strategy through execution. It works with the world’s top 20 biopharma companies across clinical, medical and commercial functions. Founded 25 years ago, the company is headquartered in Bengaluru.
Seyfarth Shaw represented Indegene in the transaction.
AD Agencies
ABBY Awards 2026 names Rajdeepak Das, Khazanchi, Ramaswamy jury chairs
Top creative leaders to steer judging across film and direct categories
MUMBAI: The Ad Club has announced the appointment of three of India’s most prominent creative leaders as jury chairs for the ABBY Awards 2026, powered by The One Club.
Rajdeepak Das, chief creative officer, South Asia, Publicis Groupe and chairman, South Asia, Leo Burnett, will chair the AV Film (TV) category. Ashish Khazanchi, managing partner at Enormous, will lead the AV Film (Digital and OTT) jury, while Anupama Ramaswamy, managing director and chief creative officer at Havas Creative India, takes charge of the Direct category.
The trio brings a mix of creative firepower and industry experience to the judging table. Das is known for blending creativity with technology to solve real-world problems, with landmark campaigns such as Whisper’s “Touch the Pickle” and “Missing Chapter” helping reshape conversations around menstrual health. His work has earned top honours at global platforms including Cannes Lions and The One Show.
Khazanchi, meanwhile, has built Enormous into one of India’s leading independent agencies. Best known for creating Tata Sky’s “Jingalala” campaign, he has played a key role in shaping brand narratives for both legacy companies and startups, picking up hundreds of awards along the way.
Ramaswamy’s appointment rounds off the leadership trio with a strong focus on culturally resonant creativity. Her campaign “Ink of Democracy” became one of the most awarded works globally in 2025, earning multiple honours across Cannes Lions, Clio and Spikes Asia. Over the years, she has built a reputation for work that not only wins awards but also shapes public discourse.
The appointments come as the ABBY Awards continue to sharpen their global positioning, with backing from The One Club adding international heft to the platform.
The awards will be held during Goafest 2026 from May 20 to 22 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, bringing together the industry’s top creative minds for what promises to be a closely watched showcase of ideas.
With heavyweight jury chairs in place, the stage is set for a high-stakes celebration of creativity where craft, culture and commerce collide.
