Hyderabad-headquartered Granules India Limited, a leading maker and exporter of some of the first line of drugs for fever, pain and diabetes, on Saturday, October 14th, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to establish Dr Chigurupati Centre of Excellence in Innovative and Sustainable Pharmaceutical Development.
The centre will focus on crucial areas such as exploring plant-based excipients, advancements in polymer-free pharmaceutical formulations, innovative methods in producing directly compressible crystals, promotion of solvent-free pharmaceutical processes, and the development of resource-efficient and energy-efficient pharmaceutical products.
According to a senior official of the company and in a note issued by the company, the collaboration will feature joint research initiatives, ensuring a seamless flow of knowledge between the industry and academia. Granules India Limited has committed support for the establishment and continuous operation of the research centre. The partnership includes the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities within the NIPER campus to facilitate comprehensive research for development of Sustainable and Innovation driven pharmaceuticals. This partnership marks a significant stride in accentuating sustainability within the pharmaceutical domain, promising transformative changes for the industry and society at large globally.
Commenting on this, Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India said, “this partnership signifies more than a collaboration; it embodies a shared vision. At Granules India, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical innovation, and through this partnership with NIPER, we aim
not just to make life saving medicines, but to make a difference.” The centre, he said, was “a testament to our dedication to sustainable pharmaceutical development, and we are enthusiastic about the transformative impact it will have on the industry and society.”
Professor Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER, said NIPER has always been at the forefront of pharmaceutical research and education.” Collaborating with Granules India, he said, “opened up new avenues for our students and researchers to engage in real-world, impactful projects.” The centre, according to him, “will be a nurturing ground for innovative ideas and sustainable solutions, shaping the future of pharmaceuticals.” He described Granules India as “a trailblazer in the industry,” and that together with NIPER “redefine the landscape of sustainable pharmaceutical research and development.”
According to a senior official of the company, the significance of this endeavor was the aim at addressing contemporary challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, such as environmental impact and resource efficiency.
Some of the joint research initiatives will include: collaborative research projects synchronized with the center’s focus areas apart from regular exchange of research insights and data to ensure synergy in efforts.
The Centre will also be hosting seminars, workshops, training programs apart from fostering a seamless flow of knowledge between Granules India Limited and NIPER researchers. There will also be exchange programs allowing researchers from both institutions to gain diverse experiences. The note also adds that the centre will also be encouraging faculty and students to immerse themselves in real-world, industry-relevant research projects.
While Granules India has not revealed the investment it has commitment for the centre, according to company officials, the actual work on establishing the facility will happen over the next two to three months and will see the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities within the NIPER campus apart from providing access to advanced tools and technologies for comprehensive research in pharmaceuticals.
The net aim of the centre is to ensure there is augmentation of scientific knowledge and innovation in sustainable pharmaceutical technologies; there is strengthened industry-academia partnership fostering a conducive environment for research and development; there is contribution to the global pharmaceutical industry through the development of sustainable and innovative pharmaceutical technologies. Apart from this, there is enhancement of scientific knowledge and innovation in sustainable pharmaceutical development.