Abbott collaborates with Syngene to open first nutrition research centre in India
05 May 2012
Health care products maker Abbott has unveiled plans to establish its first nutrition research and development centre in the country in collaboration with Bangalore-based Biocon contract research subsidiary Syngene.
The Abbott Nutrition Research and Development Centre in India will focus on the development of science-based, affordable nutrition products for the country and enable the expansion of Abbott's nutrition product portfolio, for which Syngene will provide a science-based research and innovation team to work closely with Abbott researchers.
The new Research and Development centre will focus on the development of nutrition products for maternal and child nutrition and diabetes care.
It said an estimated 50 per cent of Indians have adequate calorie intake but are not consuming a sufficient level of essential nutrients.India also has the world's largest diabetes population, with an estimated 51 million people living with diabetes.
"India is a priority market for investment, growth and innovation," said Robert H. Miller, Ph.D, divisional vice president, global research and development and scientific affairs for Abbott Nutrition in a statement. "Our strategic collaboration with Syngene will accelerate the design, development and delivery of science-based, affordable nutrition products in India, for India."
Accordingly among the products being developed for the Indian market are meal complements for diabetics and pre-diabetics. In addition, the centre will address local taste and texture preferences with new flavours and formulations.