Ranbaxy Laboratories has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in the area of New Drug Discovery Research (NDDR) in the area of tuberculosis.

Three major areas identified in the program are—Development of Diagnostics, Development of Vaccines, and Development of Drugs. Mr Malvinder Mohan Singh, CEO and MD, Ranbaxy said that this alliance with DBT in the area of NDDR 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 /proteins. DBT will support the project with a financial grant, for a period of 3 years in the first phase of the collaboration. On identification of a lead molecule, DBT and Ranbaxy will jointly support its clinical development. A joint Steering Committee will be constituted to direct, manage and coordinate the collaboration.

Dr. M. K. Bhan, Secretary, DBT said that this project will play an important role in taking advantage of the unique research network now in place to help us answer questions that are important for improving the lives of people with tuberculosis.