Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced the company is expanding its research and development (R&D) capabilities in India. The increase is an integral part of the company?s overall R&D global strategy of accessing top-talent around the world in support of its goal of achieving sustainable, cost-effective growth.
Bristol-Myers Squibb will significantly increase the scope of its existing relationship with Biocon Limited to further develop integrated capabilities in India in medicinal chemistry, biology, drug metabolism, and pharmaceutical development.
Under the terms of the agreement Biocon, through its subsidiary Syngene International, will work with Bristol-Myers Squibb to establish a research facility in Bangalore that could ultimately house more than 400 scientists to help advance Bristol-Myers Squibb?s discovery and early drug development.
In a separate multi-year agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will expand its relationship with Accenture to include support for clinical data and document management, pharmacovigilance, and scientific writing functions in India. Accenture will also provide maintenance and support for R&D information systems. Bristol-Myers Squibb will utilize Accenture?s well-established Life Science Centers for Excellence in Bangalore and Chennai, which follow industry accepted operational practices and international standards in the clinical area.
?This broad expansion of R&D in India will allow us to grow competively while maintaining our industry-leading position in productivity and innovation,? said Elliott Sigal, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and chief scientific officer, president, Pharmaceutical Research Institute. ?Working with Biocon and Accenture, two well-respected and valued partners, Bristol-Myers Squibb will continue to access world-class talent to deliver and grow our robust product pipeline.?
?We are delighted to announce this one-of-a-kind discovery research partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb, a recognized global healthcare leader,? said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman and managing director, Biocon Limited. ?The new research facility marks a significant step forward in Biocon and Syngene?s evolution as a valuable partner to the global pharmaceutical industry.?
?As the industry continues to face increased pressure to deliver new product innovations efficiently, leading companies are rethinking R&D operating models for sustained growth and productivity,? said Jonathan Lange, a partner in Accenture?s Health & Life Sciences practice and global lead for the company?s Clinical Services offering. ?Through our R&D Centers of Excellence, we are building assets and a collaborative working model that will fuel high performance for Bristol-Myers Squibb?s R&D efforts.?
Representatives from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Biocon will offer remarks during a groundbreaking ceremony of the new research facility at Biocon Park in Bangalore on Wednesday, March 21.