Ranbaxy joins hands with NIPER
By Praveen Chandran | 10 Jan 2002
The study results will help the company to carry out advanced path-breaking research activities in the areas of the novel drug delivery system platform and better delivery systems for the new chemical entities that is being developed by the company.
This research tie-up between Ranbaxy and NIPER will aim at improving the solubility and permeability of a drug that will help in enhancing safety and the efficacy profile of the drug. In turn it is expected to reduce the dosage in certain cases, thus minimising side effects.
The basic advantage of this research is that it will help Ranbaxy to deliver super-generic drugs capable of better performance. Apart from optimising drug delivery, products from this research activity will have the benefit of extended product lifecycle and market exclusivity. This will help Ranbaxy to file new patent applications in domestic and international markets.
Ranbaxy's NDDS research pipeline has already launched once-a-day-formulation of Ciprofloxacin, an anti-bacterial drug and once-a-day-formulation of Ofloxacin, an antibiotic drug. NDDS aims to improve drug efficacy, reduce dosing frequency, enhance patient compliance and improve on their quality of life.
All leading domestic pharma companies are investing in the NDDS route as otherwise the average investment is around $5 to $30 million. The drug delivery market, estimated at around $40 billion in the financial year 2000, is expected to grow to $70 billion by year 2005.
Patent-holding companies minimise the impact of generic competition by extending the lifecycle of their products by launching improved version of the drug through delivery technologies. Thus, patent-holding companies try to retain the drug exclusivity and profitability of their products.
The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories has, in the meantime, accredited the joint venture of Nicholas Piramal and Dr Phadkes Pathology Laboratory and Infertility Centre. The accreditation not only monitors the quality management system of the joint venture laboratory but also its technical competence to provide a reliable and accurate test date.