Research & Development Units

Innovation has been a great passion and priority for Panacea Biotec. Beginning with a initial focus in 1995, Panacea Biotec has come a long way to establish a cohesive network of five highly sophisticated ultra modern R&D centers. A team of 283 professional and highly talented researchers are committed to pursue the constant quest for innovation and therapeutic advancements 

The core area of research & development includes Vaccine Development, Biopharmaceuticals (big molecules), Drug Delivery projects and Drug Discovery (small molecules), in compliance with international regulatory standards. The company’s R&D centers are recognized by the Government’s Ministry of Science and technology. For carrying out pre-clinical research, the company has an animal house and facilities for undertaking in-vitro and in-vivo microbiology, pharmacology, safety, efficacy and toxicology studies. Invigorative Research & Development requires investment in time and money. To meet these commitments, Panacea Biotec has been steadily increasing its expenditure on innovative research. From initial capital R&D expenditure of 18.6 million (3% of net turnover) in 1995 to Rs. 567.05 million (6.82% of net turnover) in fiscal 2007 bears testimony to exhibit its passion for innovation.

The increase in innovation expenditure is in line with its strategy to use it’s R&D expertise to find novel therapies and drug delivery systems.

The company has also plans to further strengthen the R&D base to cater to more profitable and expanding niches in vaccines and formulations segments, both in domestic as well as international market.

Our investments in the field of innovation will provide access to breakthrough technologies, products and service to promote health.

LAKSH Drug Discovery R&D Centre

The Company’s state – of – the art Research Center for development of New Chemical Entities (small molecules) at Mohali, Punjab is spread over 70,000 Sq.ft. of laboratory Space and employs more than 60 scientists. This R&D Centre has capabilities to carry out work on different aspects of drug discovery which include medical chemistry, in vitro and in vivo biology, analytical & bio-analytical research, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism studies. The focus of research is on development of NCEs for the treatment of metabolic disorders, CNS and infectious diseases.

SAMPANN Drug Delivery R&D Centre

The ultra modern & well equipped research facility, “SAMPANN Drug Delivery” R&D Centre at Lalru, Punjab is spread across 40,000 sq.ft. of laboratory space with superior infrastructure, specialized machinery, adequate resources and highly talented scientists to conduct research in the areas of Pharmaceutical Formulation Technology, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products. The said research facilities also boasts of an in-house Intellectual Property Right Management Department and Information Science Department.

SAMPANN Drug Delivery R&D Centre has demonstrated capabilities in research on ready products and technologies in numerous drug delivery research areas like Spatial Release System (Tablet-in-tablet and inlay tablet), Hydrophillic Matrix System, Topical Transdermal Gel, Injectable System for Water Insoluble Drug, Gastroretentive system, Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System in Softgels, Oromucoadhesive System, Orally Disintegrating System and Taste Masked Delivery System. One of the major achievements has been the successful prosecution by the IPR department leading to the grant of two important drug delivery based patents in the USA.

The centre is primarily focused on:

Development of value added drug delivery products that would address unmet medical needs, Increase patient convenience and compliance, augment the intellectual capital of the organisation and contribute towards the organizational business goals.

Ongoing Projects: SAMPANN R&D centre is developing products based on highly specialized Drug Delivery, Self Nano – Emulsifying Injectable System, Depot Injectable Preparations, Pulmonary Drug Delivery and Oral Controlled Release Systems.

Identification and development of lead compounds from plant sources

A number of new lead compounds from plant sources have been identified and are currently undergoing preclinical development.

Significant number of projects have been developed and cleared for commercialization and 12 new provisional patent applications were filed during the year under the review.

Vaccine and Biological Research Center

The quality, breadth and magnitude of vaccine and biological research centre contributions are unrivalled. Situated in New Delhi, spread across 24,000 Sq.ft of laboratory space, is dedicated to carry out extensive research in vaccines and biologicals using genetic engineering, animal cell culture, fermentation, purification, formulation, serology and analytical testing techniques. The centre has more than 40 qualified and experienced biologists and biotechnologists working on different fields of Vaccine R&D. Certain novel vaccines under development at this centre are recombinant anthrax vaccine and cell culture based Japanese Encephalitis (JE) etc. This centre is also working on some breakthrough vaccines like thermostable pentavalent vaccine which would eliminate the need for cold chain.

Biopharmaceutical R&D Center

The Biopharmaceutical R&D centre which became operational during the year under review, undertakes biopharmaceutical research. This centre utilizes molecular biology & genomics tools and has around 30 hard core molecular biologists, immunologists. The center will develop novel preventive & therapeutic vaccines, therapeutic peptides. The focus will include infectious diseases and lifestyle related disorders.

It has also undertaken the development of a peptide-based technology for alopecia (hair loss) management in-licensed from national Institute of Health, USA and plans to initiate Phase I trials soon. The technology, which is patent protected, stimulates hair growth and regenerates lost hair follicles.

Grand R&D Centre

On truly international standards Panacea Biotec’s 5th R&D centre “GRAND” is coming up at Navi Mumbai. GRAND while supporting worldwide R&D activities will reflect Panacea Biotec’s Leadership in Research & Development in the field of Cancer, Airway, GI, CNS & CVS diseases.

The GRAND will work at the intersection of Biological Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences to develop Novel Drug Delivery Systems based products to respond to the changing needs of medical professional.