Biotechnology

Avaana Capital leads $3.8 mn seed round in biotech startup GreenGrahi

The funding will be used to build one of India's largest facilities capable of processing 150 tons of feedstock daily and also expand the scientific team and enter global markets

Zydus Medtech signs deal with Brazil's Braile Biomedica for TAVI technology

To commercialise transcatheter aortic valve system in India, Europe and other select markets

Aquaconnect commits $4.5 million for aquaculture biologicals R&D

This initiative reinforces the company's mission to provide deep life sciences-backed, innovative shrimp and fish health and farm care solutions

Amgen opens $200 million technology and innovation hub in Hyderabad

The facility, which occupies approximately 524,000 square feet across two towers in HITEC City, will focus on harnessing AI, data science, and digital innovation to accelerate research and development

'A milestone': PM Narendra Modi unveils genome data of 10K Indians

Genome sequencing, a laboratory technique used to decode the entire genetic composition of an organism or cell type, lies at the heart of the project

Genome India Project key biotechnology milestone for Viksit Bharat: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released the genome sequencing data of 10,000 Indian nationals and said it will be a milestone in the field of biotechnology research. The Genome India Data, that represents the genetic diversity in the country, will be available to researchers at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) through managed access. "I am confident this will be a milestone in the field of biotechnology research," Modi said in a video-recorded statement played out at the Genomics Data Conclave organised by the Department of Biotechnology here. Modi said more than 20 renowned research institutions like IITs, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) have played an important role in this research. The prime minister said this national database encapsulated the extraordinary genetic landscape of the country and promised to serve as an invaluable scientific resource. "It will facilitate advancements

Healthcare sector in India to reach $320 billion by 2028, says report

India's pharmaceutical sector is targeting $130 billion by 2030 and biotechnology is aiming for $300 billion by the same year: Great Place To Work report

Big Pharma's bet on China biotech a rare trade bright spot amid tensions

Chinese biomedical research is on the cusp of a breakthrough just as the industry starts to face serious headwinds

Agri biotech firm BioPrime raises $6mn in Series A funding led by Edaphon

Startup founded in 2016 say it will use the investment for crop protection research, products

Need innovation-driven value creation in biotech: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Thursday called for more investment in research and development to drive innovation and foster culture of intellectual property. She highlighted how the country, already the world's largest exporter of generics and a major player in vaccine production, can achieve greater value by nurturing innovation. Mazumdar-Shaw called for a shift in focus toward value creation through innovation. "India ranks 14th in terms of value in the global pharma landscape. We need to invest in R&D and foster a culture of intellectual property to capture greater value," she said. Addressing a session during the Global Bio-India 2024 event, she positioned the country as a future global leader in biosciences and innovation. Mazumdar-Shaw emphasized India's unique advantages in becoming a global bio-innovation hub, citing the nation's rich scientific talent, robust technological capabilities, and entrepreneurial drive. "Biology is not only the most exciting and ...

Investors betting on India, Korea to fill gaps from US Biosecure Act

The Biosecure Act would restrict federally funded medical providers from contracting with a select group of Chinese biotech companies

Govt gives nod to BioE3 policy, Vigyan Dhara scheme to foster R&D

The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved the 'BioE3' (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing of the Department of Biotechnology. According to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the BioE3 policy seeks to include innovation-driven support for research and development and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. This will accelerate technology development and commercialisation by establishing biomanufacturing and bio-AI hubs and biofoundry, he said. Along with prioritising regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate the expansion of India's skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation. An official statement said, the policy will further strengthen the government's initiatives such as a Net Zero' carbon economy and Lifestyle for Environment' and will steer India on the path of accelerated Green Growth' by promoting a Circular Bioeconomy'. "The BioE3 Polic

Zydus Lifesciences to have 50% stake in Sterling Biotech from Perfect Day

Zydus Lifesciences on Saturday said it has inked a pact with Perfect Day Inc to acquire 50 per cent stake in Sterling Biotech. As part of the deal, Perfect Day Inc, a Temasek portfolio company, will sell its 50 per cent shareholding in Sterling Biotech for an undisclosed amount. Post the transaction, Sterling Biotech will become a 50:50 joint venture with equal representation on the Board, Zydus Lifesciences said in a statement. Financial details of the deal were not shared. The JV will establish a manufacturing facility to manufacture fermented animal-free protein to cater to the global markets, it added. The acquisition also marks Zydus' foray into specialised biotech products for health and nutrition, specifically catering to consumers who prefer animal-free protein or suffer from lactose intolerance, the Gujarat-based firm said. Perfect Day's precision-fermented protein is found in ice creams, cream cheese, sports nutrition products, and baked goods with high functionality ..

US-based Hedge fund Shah Capital urges Novavax board shake-up: Report

The hedge fund called for Suresh Katta and Venkat Peri, who are chief executives of other biotech firms, to be nominated for the independent board roles

Bharat Biotech, Bilthoven Biologicals collaborate for oral polio vaccines

Bilthoven Biologicals will produce the vaccines for distribution in India and worldwide

IIL invests Rs 700 cr in new vaccine plant to combat livestock disease

Equipped with a BSL3 (biosafety level) facility for drug substance production and a Fill-Finish capability for final vaccine products, the unit will focus on combating two major livestock diseases

Students clearing 10+2 without biology still eligible to appear for NEET

New National Medical Commission guidelines allow candidates passing 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and english are now eligible for NEET-UG

San Diego-based biotech company Illumina bets on India for growth

While Illumina is reducing its workforce in the US, it plans to hire in India, where it currently employs only 30 people

Pfizer's proposed $43 bn takeover of Seagen faces EU investigation

If the takeover goes through, Seagen's portfolio would double Pfizer's pipeline of early-stage experimental cancer therapies, Pfizer has said

Insulin maker GeneSys to invest $50-60 mn to set up plant in Hyderabad

Biotechnology company GeneSys Biologics Pvt Ltd is planning to invest USD 50-60 million to set up a new large-scale recombinant bulk manufacturing facility in Genome Valley here for the production of insulin analogues. The insulin analogues (medical insulin that are altered forms of the human hormone insulin) will be produced in the recombinant bulk manufacturing facility in which purified bulk insulin will be derived through fermentation. An official press release said the Hyderabad-based company has already invested approximately USD 50 million in its Genome Valley plant. Telangana IT and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao expressed delight over the expansion plans of GeneSys saying it will not only contribute to the growth of Hyderabad's biotech sector but also facilitate the company's ongoing collaboration with US-based Civica Rx. GeneSys has partnered with Civica Rx, a US non-profit generic drug company, to manufacture and distribute affordable insulin. The minister congratulat