US pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer has opened its global drug development center at IIT-madras research park in Chennai. The outlay costs over Rs 150 crore and will employ 250 scientists and technicians for the development of innovative formulations, small molecules, and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

According to the company, the newly opened center is a first in Asia among the 12 established units that will support and develop products in the global market. Sridhar, Country Manager, Pfizer India called it a positive opportunity to establish advanced labs for R & D in the country. The center will undertake two functions i.e., pharmaceutical science and Global Technology and Engineering center of excellence. The PharmSci division has been set up for the development of anti-infective, oncolytic, sterile injectables, etc. while the GT&E division would work on APIs and manufacturing technology for drug delivery to patients.

IIT-M Research Park President Ashok Jhunjhunwala stated that the center will foster an excellent collaboration between the industry and academia. Echoing his thoughts, IIT-M Director, V Kamakoti stated that drug development is an important synergy between technology and medicine, and aligning the process with mandatory regulations enhances the process and quality of drug development.

Source: The Economic Times