Biocon opens new research facility in B'lore

Biotechnology firm Biocon today announced the opening up of its new research and development facility, in collaboration with US-based Bristol Myers Squibb, at Biocon Park in Bangalore.

Syngene International, a subsidiary of Biocon and Bristol, has entered into an agreement to develop integrated drug discovery and development capabilities at Syngene, Biocon said in a statement.

The facility will house 360 researchers by the end of the year and could accommodate as many as 450 employees in the future.

Facility will be dedicated to the discovery and development of new drugs, from initial hit to lead optimisation to early pharmaceutical development to clinical nomination to phase I and phase II clinical studies, the company said.

"The opening up of this facility is an integral part of our company's strategy to access top talent around the world and establish a research and development presence in Asia," Bristol-Myers Squibb Executive Vice-President Elliot Sigal said.

Established in 1978, Biocon is one of the leading biotechnology firms in India.