Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has announced that the Company has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, in the area of New Drug Discovery Research (NDDR). The research will be conducted under the aegis of DBT’s major initiative in the area of tuberculosis.

Three major areas identified in the program are:

- Development of Diagnostics
- Development of Vaccines
- Development of Drugs

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh, CEO and MD, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, said, “We are pleased to have this alliance with DBT in the area of NDDR and will work towards building a winning model to develop innovative medicines in the area of tuberculosis.”

Under the alliance, Ranbaxy will develop novel drugs, using inhibitor design for novel targets / pathways /proteins etc. DBT will support the project with a financial grant, for a period of 3 years in the first phase of the collaboration. On identification of a lead molecule, DBT and Ranbaxy will jointly support its clinical development. A joint Steering Committee will be constituted to direct, manage and coordinate the collaboration.

The bipartite agreement was signed by the representatives of Ranbaxy and DBT.

Said Dr. Pradip Bhatnagar, Senior Vice President, Drug Discovery Research, Ranbaxy, “We view this strategic partnership as a viable means for faster discovery and development of better medicines. We are pleased to participate in this initiative, which demonstrates the capability and value that Ranbaxy brings to addressing some of our most important health problems.”