New Delhi: Ranbaxy Laboratories has signed an agreement with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India to push New Drug Discovery Research (NDDR) for tuberculosis in the country.

The research will be conducted under the aegis of DBT's major initiative in the area of tuberculosis.

As per the agreement, three major areas identified are development of diagnostics, development of vaccines and development of drugs.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranbaxy Laboratories CEO and MD Malvinder Mohan Singh said, "We 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 and proteins, while DBT will support the project with a financial grant, for a period of three years in the first phase of the collaboration.

On identification of a lead molecule, both the organisation will jointly support its clinical development.

Accordingly, a joint Steering Committee will be constituted to direct, manage and coordinate the collaboration.

"We view this strategic partnership as a viable means for faster discovery and development of better medicines," Ranbaxy Drug Discovery Research Senior VP Pradip Bhatnagar said.
—iGovernment Bureau