Page 144 - CW E-Magazine (27-2-2024)

Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals

TRANSLATING RESEARCH OUTCOMES UNAUTHORISED DIVERSION
IISc and ‘Blockchain For Impact’ to accelerate Mylan Laboratories loses licence to make alprazolam

biomedical innovation Mylan Laboratories’ licence to stances Act, alprazolam is used to treat

manufacture alprazolam has been can- anxiety disorders, panic disorders, anxiety
Bengaluru-based Indian Institute two to three projects will be supported solutions,” said Mr. Sandeep Nailwal, celled by Telangana’s Drugs Control associated with depression, insomnia,
of Science (IISc) and Blockchain For every year. founder, BFI, said. Administration (DCA) after an un- etc. However, its abuse can lead to
Impact (BFI) have announced a collabo- authorised diversion of the psychotropic addiction, physical dependence and
ration under the BFI-Biome Virtual This partnership marks a signi- “IISc is delighted to partner with substance was recently detected at the with-drawal symptoms upon discontinu-
Network Programme, which will see fi cant step towards accelerating BFI in this endeavour. By harnessing pharma major’s unit near Hyderabad. ation. Long-term abuse can severely
BFI support various research projects transformative healthcare solutions the expertise of our researchers and affect one’s physical and mental health
at IISc. through cutting-edge biomedical leveraging the funding support provi- The DCA said the manufactur- and cause cognitive impairment, mood
innovation. ded by BFI, we aim to accelerate the ing licence for the drug was cancelled disturbances and increased risk of acci-
BFI aims to allocate $1-mn over translation of scientifi c discoveries into with immediate effect considering the dents.
the course of three years, for the BFI- “With a $15-mn programme dedi- impactful healthcare solutions,” said violations and after assessing the existing
Biome Virtual Network Programme and cated to advancing Biomedical Re- Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, IISc Director. controls and practices on the licensed Mr. V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, Director- The DCA has directed manufacturers
support collaborative projects aimed search and Innovation in India, the premises of the fi rm’s unit 7 at Pashamy- General, DCA, the diversion was done of such narcotic drugs and psychotropic
at translating research outcomes into BFI Biome initiative transcends tradi- Through this partnership, BFI aims laram in Sangareddy district. The DCA through chemists and production offi cers substances to implement stringent mea-
tangible healthcare solutions. Under the tional boundaries by integrating both to establish itself as a key player in the said prohibition and excise authori- working at the site. sures to prevent unauthorised diversion,
partnership, BFI-Biome will support upstream and deep science, creating Indian translational research ecosystem, ties recently detected the unauthorised pilferage or theft of the drugs. It has
selected research projects in life sciences an environment that drives innova- driving positive change in healthcare diversion of 21.25-kg of alprazolam A psychotropic substance under the warned of surprise raids on licensed units
from IISc faculty. It is expected that tion leading to transformative health ecosystem. from the site. According to a note from Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Sub- to verify reconciliation data.
INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA COLLABORATION
STERILE INJECTABLES Cipla partners with CSIR-CDRI to develop formulation
Eris Lifescience acquires 51% stake in Swiss Parenterals for fungal keratitis

Ahmedabad-based Eris Lifesciences “Eris has established itself in Indian Mumbai-based Cipla Ltd. said it
has announced the expansion of its branded formulations with leading posi- has tied up with CSIR-Central Drug
sterile injectables footprint through tions across a range of specialties. Research Institute (CDRI) to jointly
the acquisition of 51% equity stake in develop a novel ophthalmic formula-
Swiss Parenterals for a consideration of The acquisition of Swiss Parenterals tion for fungal keratitis. The collabo-
Rs. 637.50-crore. This deal also marks will help us strengthen our India foot- ration aims to leverage the combined
the entry of Eris into the RoW (rest of print through the launch of a domestic expertise and resources of both organi-
the world) export markets. injectables-focused branded formula- sations to develop a safe and effi cacious
tions business. Besides, the emerging drug for fungal keratitis, the drug maker
Out of the deal consideration of markets focus of Swiss Parenterals com- said in a statement.
Rs. 637.50-crore, Rs. 200-crore will 70%. With a 25+ year legacy, Swiss Pa- plements our India focus very well.
be paid at closing and the remainder renterals is a leading player in the sterile Globally, around 1.2-mn cases of
will be paid 12 months from closing. injectables business in 80+ emerging In addition to investing to grow the fungal keratitis are reported every year the condition can result in corneal the required studies and seek regulatory
The transaction is expected to achieve markets across Africa, Asia-Pacifi c and Swiss Parenterals business further, we with tropical countries recording a destruction, leading to a profound loss approvals for commercialisation, ensuring
fi nancial closure before 31st March Latin America. It has two facilities in will kickstart exports of oral solid dos- higher incidence. Fungal keratitis often of vision. accessibility for those in need, according
2024. Gujarat capable of manufacturing a age formulations from Eris’ manufactur- occurs following ocular trauma and to the statement. “Our research focuses
wide range of sterile injectable formu- ing facilities to various semi-regulated exposure to fungal pathogens from CSIR-CDRI has developed a proto- on fi nding innovative, cost-effective solu-
Eris’ Promoter group will con- lations. These facilities are accredited markets by leveraging Swiss’ overseas organic matter, thus putting agricultural type formulation for an anti-fungal drug tions for India’s unmet clinical needs.
currently acquire an additional 19% by 50+ regulatory authorities world- distribution channels and regulatory workers at greater risk. Other risk factors to optimise its delivery in the eye. In pre- CDRI scientists have developed a unique
in Swiss for Rs. 237.5-crore, thereby wide including the EU-GMP, Brazilian expertise,” said Mr. Amit Bakshi, include the use of local steroid eye clinical studies, this formulation sup- ophthalmic formulation of the anti-fungal
bringing the total equity stake of Eris Anvisa, Mexican Cofepris and the Chairman & Managing Director, Eris drops, injury, poor personal hygiene and ports faster resolution of the infection. drug,” CSIR-CDRI Director, Dr. Radha
and its Promoter Group in Swiss to Australian TGA. Lifesciences. regular contact lens wear. Left untreated, Cipla will scale up the product, conduct Rangarajan said.

144 Chemical Weekly February 27, 2024 Chemical Weekly February 27, 2024 145

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