National Biopharma Mission programme progresses

The World Bank has signed an agreeent with Indian Government to provide 50% of the US$250 million for a five-year programme to make India a hub for design and development of novel, affordable and effective biopharmaceutical products such as vaccines, biologics and medical devices for combating public health concerns.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Programme would strengthen translational capability of academic researchers; empower bio-entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by decreasing the cost and risk during early stages of product development and also elevate the innovation quotient of the industry.

The global experience of World Bank would be instrumental in building sustained global linkages, technical assistance and knowledge flow between public private partners for business promotion in biotech sector.

The DBT and Ministry of Science & Technology have initiated the National Biopharma Mission programme entitled: Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission for Accelerating Discovery Research to Early Development for Biopharmaceuticals – “Innovate in India (i3) Empowering biotech entrepreneurs & accelerating inclusive innovation”.

The Mission is being implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) – a Public Sector Undertaking of DBT.

This Mission of the Department was approved by the Cabinet in May 2017 and formally launched on 30th June, 2017. fii-news.com