Biotech firms to float body for R&D

Stray efforts by Gujarat-based companies in biotechnology research and development (R&D) notwithstanding, the state is lagging behind in making its mark in the biotechnology space in the country.

Considering this, biotech companies and public institution in the state are now in the process of creating a common platform -Gujarat Biotech Association - for all the stakeholders of the industry.

The association would integrate the R&D efforts done in isolation.

"Legal process has already started and we hope to form the association soon," said Piyush Palkhiwala, chairman and managing director of Maps Group.

The new association would have representations from scientists, corporates, universities and agriculture experts.

"Gujarat's biotech industry is 100 years old and considered to be a sunrise industry. India has the potential to become the vaccine hub of the world and there is a large scope of outsourcing as well. However, the industry needs more funds to brand Gujarat as a 'bio-tech hub' and carry out research and development works," said Pankaj Patel, chairman of Cadila Healthcare Ltd.

According to Concord Biotechnology managing director Sudhir Vaid, "Exports constitute 52 per cent of total income of biotech industry in the country. India is the second largest vaccine producer after US. In such circumstances, Gujarat must have common platform or biotech association."