Hyderabad: Gland Pharma, a leading manufacturer of injectables has added a new research and development (R&D) pilot plant, with an investment of Rs 7 crore at Dundigal, about 20 km from Hyderabad.

The plant, inaugurated by the German Ambassador to India, Mr Heimo Richter, on Tuesday, would facilitate the R&D activities and manufacture of high-value small-volume products. The company has several products at R&D stage, which will get a boost for conversion into commercial grade.

The R&D plant has been named after McLean, the inventor of Heparin. Gland Pharma has a joint venture with the Vetter Group, Germany, Europe''s leading contract manufacturing company for injectables in pre-filled syringes. It also has an equity partnership from DEG German Investment and Development Company.