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Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals

STAR PERFORMER MILESTONE
Aragen receives ‘Platinum Medal’ from EcoVadis PM unveils genome sequencing data of 10,000 Indians

for its sustainability initiatives Prime Minister Narendra Modi communities,” Mr. Modi said. Later,
released the genome sequencing data Dr. Singh highlighted the impressive
Aragen Life Sciences, a Hyderabad- sustainability goals but also support our of 10,000 Indian nationals at the growth of India’s bioeconomy, which
based Contract Research, Develop- customers and partners in helping reach ‘Genomics Data Conclave’ organised has surged from $10-bn in 2014 to
ment and Manufacturing Organisation their goals as well.” During the last few by the Department of Biotechnology over $130-bn in 2024, with projections
(CRDMO), has received the presti- years, Aragen has consistently improved in New Delhi recently. to hit $300-bn by 2030.
gious ‘Platinum Medal’ rating from Eco- its EcoVadis rating from 46 in 2021 to
Vadis. This highest level of recognition 82 in 2024. The company’s key sus- “I am confi dent this will be a mile- as a critical resource for genomics India now ranks 12th globally in
places Aragen in the top 1% of com- tainability initiatives include increasing stone in the fi eld of biotechnology research, contributing to advancements biotech and 3rd in the Asia-Pacifi c
panies worldwide for its sustainability its share of renewable energy, imple- research,” Mr. Modi said in a video- in personalised healthcare and medicine. region. The Minister also pointed out
practices. menting green chemistry principles in recorded statement played out at the that India is the largest vaccine pro-
R&D, and collaborating with suppliers conclave. He said more than 20 renowned ducer in the world and the third-largest
EcoVadis is widely respected as to receive the Platinum Medal in the to lower Scope 3 greenhouse gas emis- research institutions like IITs, Council startup ecosystem. The rapid rise of
the global leader in business sustaina- EcoVadis 2024 assessment across all sions. Aragen has prioritised water ste- At the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh, of Scientifi c and Industrial Research biotech startups – from just 50 in 2014
bility ratings, and its metrics evaluate sectors. wardship, employee-centric policies, and Union Minister of State (Independent (CSIR), and Biotechnology Research to over 8,500 in 2023 – demonstrates
over 150,000 companies across 175 maintaining an ongoing dialogue with Charge) for Science and Technology, and Innovation Centre (BRIC) have India’s growing leadership in biotech-
countries. Its assessment is based on Commenting on the recognition, stakeholders in the sustainability sector. launched the ‘Framework for Exchange played an important role in this research. nology and its potential to revolutionise
a thorough review of a company’s Mr. Manni Kantipudi, CEO, Aragen Recently the CRDMO also received of Data Protocols (FeED)’ and the Indian He said this national database encapsu- the global bioeconomy.
environmental, labour, ethical, and Life Sciences, said, “We will continue approval from Science Based Targets Biological Data Centre (IBDC) portals. lated the extraordinary genetic landscape
procurement practices. Aragen said it is to build an inclusive ecosystem that initiative (SBTi) for its near-term and These platforms provide access to of the country and promised to serve as Dr. Jitendra Singh further an-
the only Indian headquartered company will not only help Aragen achieve its net-zero sustainability targets. the 10,000 whole genome samples for an invaluable scientifi c resource. nounced a future target of sequencing
researchers worldwide. 10-million genomes to accelerate
REGULATION “It will facilitate advancements in India’s advancements in genomics
“The Genome India Data, that the treatment of genetic and infectious and personalised medicine. He also
Food regulator clarifi es on methylcobalamin usage represents the genetic diversity in the diseases, foster the development of suggested expanding the initiative by
in health supplements country, will be available to researchers new medications and precision medi- collaborating with prominent institu-
at the IBDC through “managed access”, cal techniques, and enable research into tions such as the Tata Memorial Hospital
The Food Safety and Standards Authority and submit any additional the PM said. This data set will serve the lifestyles and habits of diverse to enhance data enrichment efforts.
Authority of India (FSSAI) has pro- safety data requested.
vided clarity on use of methylcobala- GROWING PRESENCE
min, a form of Vitamin B12, in health The regulations also stipulate that Eli Lilly plans new global capability centre in Hyderabad
supplements, medical purposes and the level of Vitamin B12 in products
nutraceutical products. However, the must not exceed one Recommended US pharma major Eli Lilly and (LCCI) Hyderabad and will initially ble solutions. LCCI Hyderabad will
Union Health Ministry’s decision to Dietary Allowance except in specifi c Company is planning to establish a focus on expanding Lilly’s capabilities enhance our technical capabilities,
lift the ban on methylcobalamin, the categories such as Food for Special new global capability centre (GCC) in in automation, artifi cial intelligence, enabling us to better meet growing
critical vitamin B12 derivative, is yet among health professionals and indus- Medical Purposes and Food for Special Hyderabad. software product engineering and cloud business demands, fully leverage
to be formalised, leaving its regulatory try stakeholders. Dr. Sanjay Agrawal, Dietary Use. In such cases, prior approval computing to deliver advanced techno- technology in our operations, and
status in limbo despite scientifi c back- Scientifi c Advisor of Alkomex GBN from the Food Authority is required for The company will be recruiting logy solutions that meet the evolving further expand our presence in India,”
ing and growing demand for its use in USA and leading pharmaceutical con- levels exceeding the RDA. more than a 1,000-1500 highly-skilled needs of Lilly’s business worldwide,” said Mr. Manish Arora, Managing
treating conditions such as diabetic sultant said as per the Food Safety and people including technology engineers the company said. LCCI Hyderabad Director, LCCI Hyderabad. LCCI
neuropathy. Standards Regulations, 2022, the per- According to industry experts, and data scientists. Recruitment for the will be Lilly’s second capability centre Hyderabad will focus on scaling up
mitted forms of Vitamin B12 currently FSSAI’s clarifi cation will guide manu- new site is already underway, and the in India. The earlier one which is in Lilly’s innovation and effi ciency
While the Government of India’s include cyanocobalamin and hydroxo- facturers and stakeholders in aligning centre is expected to be operational by Bengaluru was launched in 2016. by unlocking new technological
Scientifi c Committee approved the cobalamin. However, he said methyl- their products with regulatory standards mid-2025. advancements and leveraging data
molecule’s safety in 2019, the neces- cobalamin may also be permitted under while addressing the growing demand “Our teams in India play a pivotal insights, accelerating the delivery of
sary gazette notifi cation to offi cially lift certain conditions, provided that food for diverse forms of Vitamin B12 in “The Hyderabad centre will be role in driving Lilly’s global busi- next-generation medicines to patients
the ban is still pending, raising concerns business operators notify the Food health supplements. known as Lilly Capability Centre India ness support with centralised, scala- around the world.

150 Chemical Weekly January 21, 2025 Chemical Weekly January 21, 2025 151

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