Kapil Sibal launches Industry Working Group for Biotechnology in New York

Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Science and Technology & Ocean Development has emphasized the need of a cohesive public-private partnership being the driving force of the collaborations in the knowledge-based sectors. Launching an Industry Working Group for Biotechnology in New York, he detailed the facilitating environment created for closer collaboration by the Indian Government. The announcement of the government’s biotech policy, setting up of innovative funding and single window regulatory mechanism were a few steps in the right direction, he said. Shri Sibal invited the US Industry to take advantage of the significant cost advantage offered by India in drug discovery which would enhance collaborations for diseases prevalent in developing countries.

The India-US High Technology Group (HTCG) (which was set up as a part of the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP)) identifies Biotechnology as one the four key areas of collaboration with public private partnership. Following the last HTCG meeting in New Delhi in December 2005, an Industry working group for Biotechnology, being coordinated by FICCI (The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) from India and USIBC from the US; has been set up, co-chaired by Dr Krishna Ella (Chairman Bharat Biotech) and Nigel Thompson Executive Director Merk & Co. The Working Group has been constituted across industry sectors.

The Minister advised the Group to prioritise key issues affecting closer cooperation and offered the India’s support in resolving them. The Industry Working Group has been tasked to identify key issues to realize the full potential for the growth of the sector. Three subgroups within the working group have been tasked to prepare a comprehensive report in time bound program to effectively work on:

1. Transfer of Bio Materials: Material Transfer Agreements and Protocols are required to be in place for facilitation of Bio Material movement. Infrastructure and processes need to be formalized and set up for the movement of the Biomaterials. An ATCC subsidiary in India could catalyse the process. Collaboration between the regulatory mechanisms like the FDA will be necessary. Facilitation of material handling at Indian airports and ports requires appropriate infrastructure development. Appropriate development of Customs procedures and their implementation framework will need to be developed. Adequately trained manpower for bio material handling will be necessary for effective movement.
2. Clinical Research: Synergizing core- competencies in R&D and cost effectiveness, poses tremendous challenges. The sub group has been tasked to identify limitations affecting realization of the full potential in this area.
3. New Product Development and innovation: The group should identify joint areas for research and product development. The Group will conduct an in-depth study and suggestions for taking this forward..

The subgroups will meet regularly and identify issues and suggest suitable mechanisms to facilitate closer public private partnership for growth of the biotech sector.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : April 07, 2006