The Indian-based pharma company, Cipla Limited, has funnelled US$1 million into a manufacturing project in Minsk according to Belarus News. The Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB), Vladimir Gusakov, and Dr Lalit Chokhani, Belarus’ Honorary Consul met to discuss the cooperation in India, on 14 May.
The two parties discussed potential collaboration mechanisms between the NASB and Cipla, focusing on the establishment of an R&D centre to produce innovative solid medicines on the Belarusian premises of the Academpharm company affiliated with the NASB.
“The Indian partners have already invested $1 million in this project. The new production facility will use innovative technological solutions, like micronisation, dry granulation, production of multilayer tablets, and other methods. There will be a full-cycle production, from an idea to manufacturing,” the press service said.
Going forward it has been agreed to use this facility to localise the production of certain medicines in Belarus. The medicines this includes are ones to treat life-threatening diseases, like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, as well as drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
The collaboration started back in 2016, with the design of the production facility set in motion after Belarus' visit to India in late 2017. Following the visit, the Belarusian president issued instructions for the transfer of technology to produce medicines jointly with Cipla and for the launch of a full-cycle production on the Academpharm premises by the end of 2020.
In order to check the status of the project, Cipla delegates will come to Minsk in July this year. The delegation will be led by the Non-Executive Chairman of the company and an honorary member of the NASB, Yusuf Khwaja Hamied.
Founded in 1935, Cipla Limited is focused on development, chemical synthesis and production of over 1,500 ready-made medications of various forms. Cipla Limited is present in 150 countries across the globe.
