Pharma firms take lead in R&D tie-up

The domestic pharmaceuticals industry has proven its mettle once again with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announcing the receipt of euro 25 million from German drug major Merck as upfront payment for a recently signed new drug (NCE) research collaboration in the area of diabetes.

Merck is to develop, register and commercialise Glenmark's molecule (GRC 8200) for markets in North America, Europe and Japan, allowing Glenmark to retain its rights for India.

The German partner will bear the cost of all ongoing studies and will be responsible for all future development activities. The value of all payments to Glenmark could total up to euro 190 million, including the just received upfront payment. GRC 8200 is one among the six potential NCE candidates for the company.

Glenmark is not an exception and is one among the 15 R&D-intensive companies that are into NCE research. Leading the pack is Ranbaxy Laboratories, with 10 NCEs in various stages of clinical development.

Ranbaxy had just announced a collaboration with Department of Science and Technology for two new drug discovery programmes in the areas of anti-infectives and inflammation.

The company has co-development partnerships with global drug major GSK and has one anti-malarial molecule that reached second phase of clinical trials.

So is the case with Dr Reddy's Laboratories that has nine potential new drugs in its kitty. Two of these molecules that are in phase-II clinical trials are co-developed with Rheoscience, Denmark, and Clin Tec International, UK.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries that has anti-allergic drug currently undergoing phase-II trials in the US is expected to reveal its entire NCE plans by March 2007.

Nicholas Piramal India's oncology molecule is currently in phase-II clinical trials being carried out in Canada and India. Lupin (anti-psoriasis), Wockhardt (anti-bacterial), Dabur (oncology), Zydus Cadila (anti-inflammatory) are some of the leading companies that are into NCE research.

The therapeutic areas in which Indian companies have developed lead molecules are malaria, urology, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular indications, cancer, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, inflammation and pain, staphylococcal infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, anti-migraine, anti-TB, anti-psoriasis and cerebro-vascular disorders.

There are over 175 drug manufacturing pharma companies having their in-house research and development centres recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).