The Hindu Business Line : Nicholas Piramal eyeing clinical research in biotech segment

THE DRUGS Controller-General of India, Mr Venkateswarulu, and the Director of Nicholas Piramal India Ltd, Dr Swati Piramal, during the launch of Wellquest-Clinical Research Organisation in Hyderabad on Sunday. — G. Krishnaswamy

Hyderabad June 10 In view of the growing importance of biotech drugs, Nicholas Piramal India Ltd (NPIL) is planning to foray into contract research pertaining to the biotech products.

"We are planning to take up clinical research on the biotech side and this may happen over next one year," Dr Swati Piramal, Director, NPIL, told reporters after the inauguration of a 30,000 sq. ft. facility of Wellquest, clinical research organisation (CRO) of NPIL, here on Sunday. The company has identified, among others, vaccines as one of the potential products for trials and was waiting for more "clarity" on the regulation aspects of clinical research in biotech products, she added.

Top facilities

The newly launched CRO has world-class facilities. "This is the first centre in the country with secure arrangements for women volunteers and paediatric studies. It also has a kitchen that can serve all the main menus of the world for the volunteers depending on specifications," Dr Piramal said. Some of the work from Wellquest's Mumbai facility would also be shifted to Hyderabad in view of the affordable space and talent.

"We will further expand this centre very soon," she said. Currently, over 75 scientists are employed in the facility, which has 112 beds.

NPIL had invested over Rs 10 crore on the equipment in the facility.

On the expansion of the NPIL, Dr Piramal said in response to an invitation from Singapore, the firm is likely to forge partnerships with its counterparts there.

Global opportunity

"While our primary investment will be made in India, we may prefer collaboration with Singapore venture capitalists but modalities have to be worked out," she added.

Mr Venkateswarlu, Drug Controller General of India, who inaugurated the facility earlier, said over the next 15 to 20 years India should be able to grab 20 to 30 per cent share of global pharma pie. "Currently, we take only 1.5 per cent of global opportunity," he said.

Opining that the time was nearing for phase I clinical trials of the drugs discovered in India, the official said: "We are examining the issue of according permission to Phase I clinical trials for the drugs discovered in India.

The policy makers are of the opinion that the step should be taken after acquiring some experience in drug discovery by the domestic industry."

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