November-December 2015

36 Pages·2016·2.5 MB·English

by  Maheep Sharma

VOL. XV NO. 6 ISSN NO. 0972-737X November — December —2015

FOR LIMITED CIRCULATION AMONG BIOTECH CLUB MEMBERS

HIGHLIGHTS
 DBT launches Distinguished Bio-
technology Research Profes-
sorship scheme

 New medicine for Hepatitis C treat-
ment launched

 Plant-based drug can fight resistant
TB

 Centre to control BT cotton seed
prices by fixing MRP

 CSIR-CCMB scientists prove
scientific basis for ancient
ayurvedic medicine through ge-
nome analysis
1
CONTENTS

Vol. XV No.6 ISSN No. 0972-737X Nov —Dec –2015 IN THE NEWS
India unveils new guidelines for clinical research involving children 03
BIOTECH BULLETIN
Katoch committee on API asks govt to initiate measures for stronger

industry-academia interaction 03
Biotech Bulletin is a bi-monthly publication brought
Scientifically validated Rs 5 anti-diabetes herbal drug launched by CSIR 04
out by Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), a DBT launches distinguished biotechnology research professorship scheme 04
company promoted by the Department of India aims for at least 1,500 biotech start-ups 05
Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and the All Govt in talks with various mkts to accept Indian drug norms 06
India Financial Institutions which is involved in Centre to introduce Bill for biotech centre in Faridabad 06
facilitating accelerated development and WHO recommends pilot demo projects for world’s first Malaria vaccine 07
commercialisation of biotechnology. India, EU agree to re-start talks on free trade pact early next year 08
Sanofi supplies injectable polio vaccine to government 08

India, Germany to set up Centers of Excellence in Agriculture 09
The bulletin is a useful compilation of latest clippings
from newspapers, magazines and journals on relevant MARKET / COLLABORATION
areas in biotechnology including healthcare, India’s first Industry-Academia collaborative partnership for Medical
agriculture, market/collaborations, research and Devices R&D takes shape 10
development. AIIMS, George Institute join hands for research on Type 2 diabetes 10
US biotech firm Hysun Biomedical enters India 11

Roche launches costliest cancer drugs in India 12
The publication is brought out exclusively for our Revamped DNA analysis kit gets US nod 12
Biotech Club Members. Mexico to get world's first dengue fever vaccine 13
New medicine for Hepatitis C treatment launched 13

Strand gets into personalised treatment market in US 14
Editorial Board Natco gets DCGI approval to launch generic hepatitis-C drug Harvoni in India 15

MEDICAL BIOTECH
Dr. Purnima Sharma, Managing Director Young Kashmir scientist behind discovery of fast-acting HIV antibodies 16
Genes Linked to Peripheral Artery Disease Identified 16
Ms. Anita Sharma, Manager
Drug from banana protein could help fight AIDS, Hepatitis C and influenza
viruses 16
New blood cancer drug shows promise in first clinical trial 17
Biotech Consortium India Limited
New Ebola vaccine safe, stimulates strong immune response 18
5th Floor, Anuvrat Bhawan Novel insulin pill to effectively manage diabetes 18
210, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, Plant-based drug can fight resistant TB 19
India's first MRI machine to be out in market by 2018 20
New Delhi – 110 002
Clue to Hawking disease emerges 20
Tel: [phone]
CSIR’s nonClonableID tag to check duplicate drugs 21
Fax: [phone]
New treatment to target mutated cancer cells 22
E-mail: [email protected] Researchers Develop One–Step, Low Cost Method for Hepatitis C Virus
Website: http://www.bcil.nic.in Detection 22
New method removes nanoparticles from blood with ease 23

AGRI BIOTECH
Centre receives proposal for commercial planting of GM mustard 24
Vermont dairy farmer says biotech crops essential 25
Govt to screen GM cotton hybrids after pest attacks 25
Plants use chemical weapons to poison neighbours, research says 26
Explore option of genetically modified pulses: NITI member 26
Orphan gene may have potential to boost protein value of crops, according to lowa 27
state university research
Centre to control BT cotton seed prices by fixing MRP 28
Have strong bio-safety systems for GM crop: Swaminathan 29

R & D IDEAS

Cancer spread process revealed 30
New approach toward a broad spectrum malaria vaccine 30
UNL, Johns Hopkins researchers identify DNA of algae virus in humans 31
Human liver cells successfully grown in lab 32
The articles have been reproduced as such from vari- Crucial brain chemical made from human stem cells 33
ous sources and BCIL does not authenticate the validi- Anti-cancer molecules ‘discovered’ by varsity in MP 33
ty of the same. CSIR-CCMB scientists prove scientific basis for ancient ayurvedic medicine
through genome analysis 34

2
IN THE NEWS
lack the capacity to provide informed consent and the
India unveils new guidelines for
authority to allow a child’s participation in research
clinical research involving children
"rests with parents or guardians, who must provide
their permission. However, with respect for children’s
emerging maturity and independence and investigators
Regulatory Affairs Professional Society
must seek to involve children in discussions about re-
October 15, 2015
search and obtain their assent to participation." In chil-

dren between the ages of seven and 12 years, oral as-
India for the first time in its history has released
sent must be obtained in the presence of a parent or
comprehensive guidance related to the ethical
legal guardian, while for children between the ages of
specifics of biomedical research in neonates and
13 and 18, written assent must be obtained.
children. The pragmatic guidelines from the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set Other Provisions
out general principles that can be applied in
most situations to cover the ethical and legal
In addition to informed consent, the guidelines also
issues that researchers need to consider when
deal with safeguard systems, such as institutional ethics
carrying out such biomedical research General
committees and data monitoring committees, compen-
Guidance
sation for participants (which "should not influence par-
First and foremost, the guidance calls for ents’ or children’s decisions to participate in research"),
research involving children to take into as well as other special situations, including Internet-
consideration the unique physiology, anatomy, and school-based research in children, and neonate and
psychology, pharmacology, social situation and adolescent research.
special needs of children and their families. And
The guidelines, which follow the release of the third
in general, the drugs intended for the children's
iteration of the "Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Re-
and neonates' research should be tested for
search on Humans" from 2006, were developed in line
safety, pharmacokinetics, and at least initial
with the Institute of Medicine's pediatric research
indications of efficacy in adults before being
guidelines in the US, the Medical Research Council
tested in children. "It may often be appropriate
guidelines in the UK, EU guidance and through discus-
to defer pediatric testing until adult testing has
sions with experts in bioethics in India.
reached Phase III or beyond, when substantial
data are available on the safety and efficacy of a
drug in adults," the guidelines say.
Katoch committee on API asks govt to
Interventions intended to provide therapeutic
initiate measures for stronger
benefit should be at least as advantageous to
industry-academia interaction
the individual child as any available alternative
interventions. "The risk presented by
Pharma Biz
interventions not intended to benefit the
October 19, 2015
individual child participant should be low when

compared to the importance of the knowledge
The Katoch committee on Active Pharmaceuticals
that is to be gained," the guidelines add.
Ingredients (APIs), constituted by the Department of
Informed Consent Pharmaceuticals (DoP) last year, has recommended to
the government to initiate measures for stronger
ICMR notes the sensitivity around research
industry-academia interaction by facilitating the to
involving children, noting that children usually
and fro movement of scientists between industry and
3
academic institutions. The committee, which manufacturing in India including tax free status to clus-
recognised the fact that investment in research ter developers and cluster participants for 15 years.
and development (R&D) is essential to ensure

competitive edge, further recommended for an
institutional mechanism for ministry of human Scientifically validated Rs 5 anti-diabetes
resources, and various science departments and
herbal drug launched by CSIR
agencies like DST, DBT, CSIR, ICMR etc to work
together/ in synergy on R&D relevant for best
procedures of production. To further boost the The Times of India
API industry in the country, the committee October 26, 2015
which was constituted to formulate a long term
A scientifically validated anti-diabetes herbal drug,
policy and strategy for promoting domestic
named 'BGR-34', was launched by a Council of Scientific
manufacture of APIs/bulk drugs in the country,
and Industrial Research (CSIR) lab in Lucknow. A combi-
recommended for import duty exemption on
nation of natural extracts from plants, the drug is based
import of capital goods in respect of R&D and
on Ayurveda and has no side effects. The drug is for
manufacturing of vaccines and APIs.
management of type-II diabetes mellitus. The drug has
been jointly developed by two CSIR laboratories, Na-
tional Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central
Innovation should be measurable and awards to
Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (CIMAP). It
the scientists and industry who contribute to
was launched on the 62nd annual day of the NBRI for
the development of improved processes
commercial manufacturing and marketing by M/s Aimil
relevant to bulk drug industry should be made,
Pharamaceuticals Pvt Ltd, New Delhi.
the committee recommended and further said
that the technology development financing "The drug has extracts from four plants mentioned in
should also be repaid. On providing assistance Ayurveda and that makes it safe," said Dr AKS Rawat,
on machines equipment, the committee Senior Principal Scientist, NBRI. It has been tested on
recommended that the incentives to the animals and scientific study has found it safe and effec-
manufacturers for setting up large plants and tive, with clinical trials showing 67percent success. The
imports of technology that will reduce the cost drug boosts immune system, works as antioxidant and
of production need to be worked out. Allocation checks free radicals. Though there are other anti-
of adequate quantity of coal and electricity at diabetes herbal drugs in the market, 'BGR-34' has been
concessional rates may also be considered. A validated scientifically. The drug will help maintain nor-
scheme on the pattern of the modified special mal blood glucose levels, reduce chances of complica-
incentive package for IT hardware, etc. may be tions due to persistent high blood glucose levels and
considered, the committee in its report said. impart a good quality life to patients with high blood
sugar levels.
In order to formulate a long term policy and
strategy for promoting domestic manufacture of DBT launches Distinguished
APIs/bulk drugs in the country, a high level com-
Biotechnology Research Professorship
mittee headed by Dr. V.M. Katoch, the then
scheme
Secretary, Department of Health Research
(DHR) was set up by the DoP last year which
Pharma Biz, October 23, 2015
submitted its report in February, 2015.

The committee has made
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has
sweeping recommendations for revival of API
launched the Distinguished Biotechnology Research
4
Professorship scheme to utilise the expertise of contribution in biological sciences and have
active superannuated scientists who have made superannuated. The scheme will honour those eminent
outstanding research contributions in scientists having recognition of the highest kind and
biotechnology and related fields. The main aim who are still contributing scientifically and remain
of the scheme is to utilise the expertise of active in the country’s forum. It will facilitates these
superannuated scientists, who are scientifically eminent Indian scientists to continue to make
active and capable of making significant outstanding contributions to science.
research contributions in biological sciences,

biotechnology and related fields promoted by
DBT. The Professorship will provide recognition India aims for at least 1,500 biotech
to a person who has made outstanding scientific
start-ups
research contributions and is still able to extend
his expertise and services for advancement in
the biotechnology related fields.
The Economic Times
The scheme will enable the selected scientist to Nov 13, 2015
continue to contribute to the subject of his/her

choice and thus remain active in the country’s
India aims to scale up start-ups in the biotechnology
forum of Senior Eminent Scientists of
sector to at least 1,500 in the next two to three years to
Biotechnology field. The DBT Distinguished
boost technological interventions in the health and
Research Professorship may continue to work in
agriculture sectors, a senior biotechnology department
his/her own institution or in any other suitable
official said. "We presently have around 500 start-ups in
institution within India. For getting eligibility for
the biotech sector. It is less in comparison with other
this programme, the scientist should be a
sectors. We plan to scale it up to 1,500 to 2,000 in the
distinguished Indian scientist in biotechnology
next two to three years," said Renu Swarup,
or related fields. He/she should be truly
Department of Biotechnology's Senior Adviser and
outstanding and continue to publish research
Managing Director of the Biotechnology Industry
work of very high standard. He/she should be a
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
fellow of at least one of the following national
academies like Indian Academy of Sciences, She pointed out that there was a growing market for
Bengaluru; National Academy of Sciences, biotech products and services given India's population
Allahabad; Indian National Science Academy, and its needs. Biotech start-ups are into bio-pharma
New Delhi; and National Academy of (diagnostics and therapeutics), agricultural
Agricultural Sciences. (biofertilisers, hybrid seeds etc.), bioinformatics and
drug development, etc. "They are directly or indirectly
The tenure of the Distinguished Biotechnologist
linked to the health and agricultural sectors,"Swarup
Award would be for a period of three years
told IANS. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this
extendable for further two years based on the
year announced a 'Start-up India, Stand up India'
review of work undertaken by the scientist in
campaign to promote bank financing for start-ups and
the first three years. Thus, the tenure of the
offer incentives to boost entrepreneurship and job
award would be for a maximum period of five
creation. "Under the new initiative, if we can create a
years, or till the awardee attains the age of 70
favourable business environment, we can tap into our
years, whichever is earlier. Earlier, the DBT had
own products and know-how for solutions in health and
initiated the scheme in 2008-09 to recognise
and agriculture," she said. It would also help
eminent scientists who have made outstanding
researchers to become 'tech-preneurs'. "We have seen
5
good interventions happening in Odisha and Indian Pharmaceutical Congress at Mysuru, he added.
Tamil Nadu," said Swarup. The Indian biotech “We are already in talks with representatives from
industry holds about two percent share of the Ghana, Kenya and Myanmar regarding the issue,” Appa-
global biotech sector. At present India is ranked ji said.
12th in the world in the biotech sector and third
in the Asia-Pacific region. By 2017, the size of “We are telling these markets the Indian drug standards
India's biotech industry is estimated to increase are also at par with the USP or BP. If they accept, both
to $11.6 billion from $4.3 billion in 2012. Indian Indian drug industry as well as these countries would
biotech entrepreneur Kiran Majumdar Shaw has benefit.” The move would help many firms, which are
said that the emergence of biotech start-ups is solely following IP, to save on time, packaging and other
resulting in a reverse brain drain. Currently, costs needed to adopt BP or USP.
Swarup said, new products have emerged from
the Grand Challenges India (GCI) Interventions. "If they accept then these markets would be able to get
The GCI was jointly launched by BIRAC under drugs from the stock meant for Indian market, leading
the Department of Biotechnology and the Bill to saving in terms of cost and time. Also they could avail
and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2013. "These of certain life saving drugs well in time", Appaji said.
include improved sanitation technologies and Currently, Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) is only followed in
bio-digester designs. Initially, they will be the Indian market. "It won't be an easy task (making
showcased as demonstrations on a large scale these countries accept IP). We will have to instill
and subsequently introduced in the market," confidence in them by inviting them to our
she said. manufacturing facilities, show them our standards.
Moreover, Indian embassies would have to follow up so
Govt in talks with various markets that we get desired results", Appaji said.

to accept Indian drug norms
Centre to introduce Bill for biotech

centre in Faridabad
Business Standard
November 30, 2015
The Tribune
India is nudging semi-regulated markets like December 2, 2015
Myanmar and Kenya to accept its drug
standards, instead of the US or British norms, a The Union Cabinet gave its approval for introducing a
move aimed at helping many Indian drug Bill for the setting up a Regional Centre for
makers to save cost on upgrading to interna- Biotechnology in Faridabad. The decision was taken at
tional standards. “We are in talks with various a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime
semi-regulated markets in Association of Minister Narendra Modi. According to an official
Southeast Asian Nations region, Africa and statement, the objective of the Bill is to provide a legal
South Asian Association for Regional status to the centre so as to function independently as
Cooperation countries to accept Indian Pharma- an autonomous body and also an institution of national
copoeia instead of British Pharmacopoeia or the importance for education, training and research in
US Pharmacopoeia,” Pharmaceuticals Export biotechnology.
Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) Director
General P V Appaji said. To shore up support for The centre has already been established by an
this, Pharmexcil has invited 10-15 regulatory executive order of the Government of India in
heads from various nations to participate in the November 2008 after the approval by the Union
6
Cabinet. It is operational at the NCR Biotech by WHO. The group met with the Malaria Policy
Science Clustre, Faridabad, and the enactment Advisory Committee (MPAC) to consider the evidence
does not involve any financial implications at on the efficacy and safety of the malaria vaccine.“The
this stage. The centre is a regional hub for inter- committees agreed that pilot implementations should
disciplinary education, training and research in be the next step with this vaccine,” said Fred Binka,
biotechnology with emphasis on novel acting chair of MPAC, in a WHO statement.
education programmes relevant to industry,
“The question about how the malaria vaccine may best
including bio-drug discovery science,
be delivered still needs to be answered,” said Jon S.
nano-science and medicine, imaging techniques,
Abramson, chair of SAGE. “After a detailed assessment
designer crops, bioengineering and
of all the evidence, we recommended that this question
biomaterials, intellectual property, technology
is best addressed by having 3-5 large pilot
transfer and regulation to fulfil and overcome
implementation projects,” he added. These
the shortage of skilled human resources in India.
demonstration projects could include a million children.
It would be a hub of biotechnology expertise in
This recommendation from WHO comes a day after a
the countries in the South Asian Association for
study published in the The New England Journal of
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region and, more
Medicine showed why RTS,S only provides partial
generally, in Asia, and to address human
protection to vaccinated children. This study conducted
resources needs in the region. It would address
by the US National Institutes of Health was carried out
designing of new and novel programmes for
using new highly sensitive genomic sequencing
education and training which could then be
technology and found that genetic variability in the
assimilated by the existing universities in India
surface protein targeted by the RTS,S vaccine likely
and the Region
played a significant role.

A child needs four doses of the vaccine to be fully
WHO recommends pilot demo
protected. The biggest challenge is that while the first
projects for world’s first Malaria
three doses are given one month apart, the fourth dose
vaccine is given after an 18-month gap. Without the fourth
dose, the children have no shield against severe
Live mint malaria. Another challenge is that the malaria vaccine
October 24, 2015 acts against P. falciparum, the most deadly malaria
parasite and the most prevalent in Africa, but is ineffec-
The World Health Organization (WHO) has tive against P. vivax malaria which predominates in
recommended pilot demonstration projects to many countries outside of Africa including India. In
understand how best to use RTS,S—the world’s India, at least a million malaria cases are reported
first vaccine against malaria. In July, European annually and result in deaths ranging from 500 to 1,500,
drug regulators recommended that the vaccine according to Indian government records. Globally,
developed by British drugmaker there are annually 3.2 million cases of the
GlaxoSmithKline Plc. in partnership with the life-threatening disease caused by the bites of infected
PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, should be female mosquitoes. In 2015, Sub-Saharan Africa was
licensed for use on babies in Africa at risk of the home to 91% of the global malaria deaths. The vaccine
mosquito-borne disease. The meeting between is currently being looked at as a complementary malaria
the Malaria Policy Advisory Committee and the control tool along with proven malaria preventive,
Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on diagnostic and treatment measures.
Immunization (SAGE) has been hailed as historic
7
Joint Secretary in the Commerce Ministry Anita Praveen
India, EU agree to re-start talks on
has been appointed as the new chief negotiator for the
free trade pact early next year
talks and negotiations are expected to start early next
year. The India-EU FTA — formally known as the
Business Line Broad-based Trade and Investment Negotiations —
November 22, 2015 seeks to liberalise markets in goods and services, result
in easier flow of investments and bring about stronger
India and the European Union (EU) have decided rules in areas like government procurement. The EU is
to re-start talks on a bilateral free trade one of the largest trading partners of India accounting
agreement early next year ending months of for a bilateral trade of $100 billion against India’s total
acrimony over a ban imposed by Brussels on foreign trade of $760 billion in 2014-15.
certain generic drugs tested by
Hyderabad-based contract research firm GVK
Biosciences. “We have talked to the EU Sanofi supplies injectable polio vaccine
negotiating team on re-launching the FTA talks
to government
and dates would be fixed soon. “Our concerns

on action against GVK will be put on a separate
Business Line
track and be sorted out independent of the
December 1, 2015
negotiations,” a Commerce Ministry official

told BusinessLine.
Sanofi Pasteur and its affiliate Shantha Biotechnics are

in the process of supplying their injectable polio
New Delhi had cancelled talks for a re-launch of
vaccines, through UNICEF, to the Indian Government
the FTA negotiations in July to mark its protest
for its universal immunisation programme (UIP). The
against the 28-member bloc’s decision to ban
development comes even as the Centre announced the
700 generics tested by GVK on allegations that it
inclusion of the injectable, inactivated polio vaccine
did not follow proper procedures while carrying
(IPV) into the UIP. India has been officially certified as
out the tests. The Commerce Ministry and GVK
being polio free. But neighbouring Pakistan and
had strongly contested the charge. With India
Afghanistan still report cases of wild polio. Sanofi
now ready to soften its stand on the matter, the
Pasteur is the vaccines division of French drugmaker
two sides can pick up the threads from where
Sanofi and it has already supplied its Imovax Polio (IPV)
talks on the India-EU FTA were suspended in
to the Government programme. Sanofi said that the
2013 over a number of tricky issues such as
supply of ShanIPV manufactured by its
lower duties on EU’s wines and automobiles,
Hyderabad-based affiliate Shantha Biotech would take
inclusion of services such as insurance and
place soon.
banking in the pact and greater access for Indian
professionals in European countries. “With the introduction of IPV in their immunisation
schedule, India moves the world much closer to being
“We believe re-starting the FTA talks would polio-free,” said Olivier Charmeil, President and CEO of
benefit both the sides. Anyway, the signal has Sanofi Pasteur. “As a company deeply rooted in India,
gone strongly to the EU that it shouldn’t be we are very proud that vaccines produced by both
messing with Indian companies till it has a Sanofi Pasteur and Shantha will be used in this vital step
strong reason to do so. We expect all our towards a polio-free world. We have worked as
concerns to be addressed on the arbitrary partners of the government of India for many years,
way the ban was imposed,” the official said. with this day in mind.” Over 20 million newborns will
8
eventually benefit from this new vaccine every and Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) has signed a
year, Sanofi said. November was the cut-off to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a meeting
introduce IPV in 17 high-risk States and four between the Agriculture Ministers from the two
Union Territories. In January, the IPV would be countries Mr Christian Schmidt from Germany and Mr
introduced in nine medium risk states and by Radha Mohan Singh from India, in order to cooperate
March 2016, the IPV would be rolled out in six with each other for the purpose of jointly developing
low-risk States. the establishment of "Indo-German Centers of
Excellence in Agriculture" aimed at creating a Platform
Oral, injectable vaccines
for practical skill development in agriculture in India.
Oral polio vaccines have been the key in the UIP, The inclusion, participation and funding from the
but the World Health Organisation recommends German private sector shall be coordinated by the
that the live OPV be supplemented and then German Agribusiness Alliance.
replaced by an inactivated IPV. OPV and IPV The centre of excellence will cover four major areas
stimulate the body’s immune system in slightly such crop production (including agricultural machinery/
different ways so children who receive both mechanization and postharvest handling) and
should be even better protected against the dis- marketing, horticulture crops management, production
ease, a note from the company said. The OPV and value chain integration, cattle breeding / milk
contains a mixture of live attenuated poliovirus production, procurement and marketing and poultry/
strains. So, despite being safe, it is not advisable egg production.
to be used after achieving a polio-free status:
Mr Joerg Rehbein, spokesman for the German
when polio no longer exists in the wild, live virus
Agribusiness Alliance said, "The prime objective of this
cannot still exist in a vaccine, the note ex-
collaboration would be to provide practical professional
plained.
skill training as well as practical demonstrations of
Polio eradication modern technologies and methods (capacity building)
to various stakeholders of the agriculture development
The universal introduction of IPV, a vaccine that
ecosystem." He further added, "With this initiative, we
has been used in many countries of the world
hope to raise awareness on emerging areas of
for years, is a necessary step towards achieving
agriculture technologies and their application, and to
a polio-free world by 2019 according to the
adopt best skill development practices and concepts
Global Polio Eradication Initiative Endgame
from India and Germany."
Strategic Plan. More than 110 countries have
Mr Sanjeev Asthana, Chairman, ASCI said, "The
introduced IPV in their immunisation calendars,
proposed Indo-German Centers of Excellence in
the note said.
Agriculture shall provide both short and long-term

practical, professional skill training on modern
India, Germany to set up Centers of technologies and methods, and organize
demonstrations of technological advancements. The
Excellence in agriculture
activities would target to reach farmers as well as farm
Biospectrum india workers and wageworkers in agriculture related
October 6, 2015 industries. In addition, the project shall be used to train
trainers of certified private or state training providers
German Agribusiness Alliance and Agriculture
and facilities. The Centers shall cover different areas of
Skill Council of India (ASCI) to set up
agriculture and shall be set up in co-operation with
Indo-German Centers of Excellence in
agriculture institutions".
Agriculture . The German Agribusiness Alliance
_____________________________________________
9
library, canteen, video-conferencing facilities for taking
India’s first Industry-Academia
forward this collaboration. According to Mr Rajiv Nath,
collaborative partnership for
Forum Coordinator for AIMED and a signatory to the
medical devices R&D takes shape MoU between the two bodies, "The partnership
between AIMED led UdaiMed and TiMed is a milestone

for industry-academia partnership in the country which
Biospectrum
will foster world class practical research in India,
November 6, 2015
catalyzing Make-in-India mission, help reduce

humungous import dependency in medical devices and
Association of Indian Medical Device Industry
bring down overall healthcare cost." Explaining the
(AIMED) has announced the launch of
need for such an initiative, Mr Nath pointed towards
‘UdaiMed', a new sunrise forum for
the ground realities of campus R&D in India stating that,
collaborative interface between User,
"R&D institutions and engineering colleges do product
Developer, Academia, Industry and Medical
development in isolation while
Device Development in India. The objective of
industry has little or no idea of work being done there,
this momentous milestone collaboration for
and often such research have no relevance for industry.
academic-industry in India is to make
Collaboration between institutions and industry is
on-campus research more aligned to medical
completely absent even as most development is for
device industry's needs and catalyze ‘Make-in-
peer academia acclaim rather than meeting industry's
India' program. To take forward this objective,
needs or contributing to country's competitive
AIMED and UdaiMed also signed its first MoU
prowess." As a next step, Dr Jitender Sharma, Head of
with TiMed(Technology Business Incubator), a
Healthcare Technology Division of NHSRC, MOH&FW
not-for-profit registered society promoted by
(also party to this initiative)said, "AIMED/UdaiMed
SreeChitraTirunal Institute for Medical Sciences
could request the Government to auction all Patents
and Technology (SCTIMST),
which are not yet commercialized so that these can be
Thiruvananthapuram, for encouraging
put to use by Indian manufacturers for the benefit of
innovation and entrepreneurship in medical
Indian consumers and medical fraternity".
technologies through technology business

incubation support to innovators, start-ups and
Speaking on behalf of SCTIMST-TIMED, Mr Balram
industry. SreeChitraTirunal Institute is an
Sankaran, CEO, said, "Developing and commercializing
Institute of ‘National Importance' created by an
medical devices is very challenging but extremely
Act of Indian Parliameunt in 1980 and
critical for competitive edge of our country. The
SCTIMST-TiMed is financially supported by the
partnership betweenTiMed and UdaiMed will help
Department of Science & Technology (DST),
nurture a much needed eco-system which can deliver
Government of India and the Kerala State
great results. We are extremely delighted with this
Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).
partnership."
Under the terms of new partnership, Shree

Chitra will launch TiMeD a ‘Technology Business
Incubator' with the broad objective of AIIMS, George Institute join hands for
supporting and facilitating innovation, research on Type 2 diabetes
entrepreneurship, start-ups, new product

development specifically aimed at medical
Drug Today, November 14, 2015
devices development and biomaterials domain.
TiMed will offer office and laboratory space with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New
several common facilities like internet access, Delhi, has joined hands with the George Institute
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