Kalam lauds pharma R&D efforts

President A P J Abdul Kalam has expressed confidence in the changing face of the Indian pharma sector.

He said at least three drugs will materialise in 2005 leading to the treatment of certain types of cancer, diabetes and inflammatory diseases.

"I am very happy to see the economic strength of the pharma industry following technological innovations at R&D laboratories," Kalam said at the 92nd session of the Indian Science Congress here today.

"In 2000 there was a fear among in the health sector that India will not be able to compete in the international market due to WTO environment. During my recent visits to several pharma units, I find the situation has totally changed.

"The pharma community is very confident now due to the establishment of state-of-the-art R&D labs. I am completely convinced that the Indian pharma sector is becoming very robust, with a sound research and development base," he said.

"Even though they have developed hundreds of molecules, the way the scientific and laboratory experiments are progressing, I am convinced that at least three major molecules will transform into drugs very soon," Kalam added.

"This year I have visited number of pharma R&D centres. There is a great movement in transforming molecules to drugs. I feel in 2005, at least three drugs will materialize leading to the treatment of certain type of cancer and the other for diabetes and inflammatory diseases," the President said.

"In addition to the above, scientists have to take note of the progress made in nano-science and nano-technology and participate in research and product development to make India a leading player and become an exporter of nano-technology products," he said.

On treatment of Parkinson's disease, Kalam said: "Recently I met Vijay K Varadan of Pennsylvania State University, US. He shared his experience on the possible line of treatment for Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Varadan has devised a wireless system for monitoring and control of Parkinson's disease," the President stated.