Insights from Vyome on Building a Global Biotech Network

In a recent interview with Pharmaceutical Executive, Shiladitya Sengupta, founder of Vyome Therapeutics, discussed the company’s strategic decision to go public through a reverse merger with Reshape Life Sciences, its approach to engaging US investors despite its strong Indian biotech roots, and its focus on developing innovative therapies for immuno-inflammatory diseases. Sengupta detailed how the company is leveraging deep networks in India, repositioning existing drugs to address unmet medical needs, and advancing a robust pipeline of treatments aimed at transforming patient care, while also exploring broader opportunities in med tech and AI.

Pharmaceutical Executive: How do you plan to communicate Vyome’s story to US investors who may be less familiar with Indian biotech firms?

Shiladitya Sengupta: We are a US-registered company with an Indian subsidiary. There’s a transformation happening in the biotech and pharma sectors—people are increasingly sourcing drugs from countries like China and developing them here, which is both cost-efficient and leverages proven science.

What sets us apart is our deep connections and roots in India. I trained at one of the top medical schools there and have been directly involved in drug approvals in the country. I also helped establish the venture ecosystem for biotech in India. I’m personally connected to nearly all major biotech, pharmaceutical, medtech, and AI-in-healthcare companies there. There’s a lot of activity, and we’re well-positioned to tap into it.

Our plan is to leverage these connections to capture untapped value as we grow. This will be a slow and steady process—we’re not looking for a quick win. Our team is serious and committed, and we aim to build sustainably over time.

For context, one of my co-founders is now the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology in the Government of India, which speaks to the kind of expertise and pedigree we bring. One of our investors, Ranjan Pai, owns the largest hospital chain in Asia and is a multi-billionaire. Through these connections, we have access to patients, medical data, and cutting-edge innovations happening across India.

Ultimately, the best way to communicate our story is to demonstrate results. We plan to leverage our network and expertise to deliver tangible outcomes that will naturally acquaint investors with the value we bring.

Full Interview Summary: The company opted for a reverse merger with Reshape Life Sciences rather than a traditional IPO as a more efficient, cost-effective way to go public. The availability of a clean shell without any liabilities made the process attractive, allowing the company to focus on building its brand, Biome, while leveraging a ready pool of investors without the pressure of a conventional IPO route.

Communicating to U.S. investors about the company’s Indian biotech connections will emphasize its status as a U.S.-registered company with an Indian subsidiary. The leadership brings deep local knowledge, regulatory experience, and extensive networks across biotech, pharmaceutical, med tech, AI, and healthcare sectors in India. This includes co-founders with government and industry leadership roles and access to patient populations and medical data, which the company plans to leverage gradually to capture untapped opportunities. The approach is long-term, focused on steady growth rather than short-term gains.

The company’s lead programs focus on immuno-inflammatory diseases. Its primary asset is nearing the completion of a Phase II trial for malignant fungating wounds, a severe condition affecting 10% of advanced cancer patients with no currently approved therapies in the U.S. The development strategy emphasizes repositioning drugs with proven mechanisms in other indications to reduce risk and cost while targeting unmet medical needs. A preclinical program for uveitis is underway, developing a topical eye-drop formulation to replace systemic immunosuppressive therapy, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

Over the next 12–18 months, milestones include initiating pivotal trials for malignant fungating wounds, pursuing geographic development of a Phase III-ready acne asset in Asia, and filing an IND for additional pipeline programs. The company also aims to expand strategically into med tech and AI through partnerships, reflecting its broader vision of leveraging its Indian network and technology access to build a multi-faceted, high-value healthcare platform.