Morepen Laboratories today announced its entry into advanced Pharmaceutical research arena by signing an agreement of Collaborative research program with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER). The program would focus on research in the fields of Medicinal chemistry focusing on lead identification, lead validation and lead optimization besides research and development in the area of New Chemical Entities. The collaborative program would also focus on research on monoclonal antibodies and proteins to generate new Biopharmaceuticals. A combinatorial chemistry laboratory and HTS facility will also be established to undertake contract research program and to generate libraries of compounds for biological screening. This decision has been taken on recommendation of McKinsey & Company, which has submitted an extensive report on potential research areas of medicinal chemistry and biotechnology.

Mr. Sushil Suri, CMD, Morepen Labs and Dr. C.L. Kaul, Director, NIPER signed the agreement. NIPER is the first national level Institute in pharmaceutical sciences that has a proclaimed objective of becoming a center of research in Pharmaceutical sciences. NIPER has a distinction of being declared as "Institute of National Importance" by government of India and at present provides leadership in Pharmaceutical sciences and related areas not only within country, but also to the countries in South East Asia, South Asia and Africa.

Mr. Sushil Suri, Chairman and Managing Director, Morepen Laboratories said, After filing many product and process patents (PCT) for high value molecules like Atorvastatin Calcium and Desloratadine, we are now concentrating on Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceuticals. NIPER is one of the most reputed and respected Institutes in pharmaceutical sciences in the country. I am sure with their support and dedication, we shall be able to make path-breaking discoveries".

Morepen has recently filed a process patent for Desloratadine and Atorvastatin Calcium and is in process of filing DMF for both the blockbuster molecules. The company's Board of Directors approved the GDR issue, for which documents have already been filed at Luxembourg Stock Exchange and are in advanced stages of approval.

The key scientists of NIPER would also be involved in the program closely. Under the terms of agreement, the company will utilize a gamut of NIPER's specialized services. Besides using the services of laboratories at the NIPER campus at Mohali (Punjab), the company will also utilize the services of their instruments and clinical testing services, for research in herbal products based on traditional knowledge of medicines to develop new therapeutic agents.

National Institute of Pharmaceutical and Research (NIPER) is the first national level institute in pharmaceutical sciences that is an autonomous body set up under the aegis of Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India. The Institute is now functional for approximately 10 years, and at present consists of several teaching, research and service departments viz. Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Products, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Management, Central Animal Facility, National Bio-availability Center, Impurity Profiling & Stability Testing Laboratory, Pharmacology & Toxicology Screening Facilities, Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Peptide Synthesis & Research Laboratory.

Morepen Laboratories Limited (MLL) is a preferred generic manufacturer of bulk drugs internationally and the largest generic manufacturer of Loratadine in the world. With a market capitalization of more than US$ 50 million and three high-tech plants at Himachal Pradesh, MLL exports to over 50 countries, including the highly regulated markets of the USA, Western Europe and Canada. A leadership position in its core business of bulk drugs, adherence to international quality standards with USFDA approved facilities and a strong R&D base gives Morepen the cutting edge required to meet the demands of an economy poised to enter the GATT regime. Besides bulk drugs, Morepen is a professionally managed, R&D based company that is also engaged in manufacturing and marketing of Formulation dosage forms. Morepen has made a foray into the self-health category with Dr. Morepen - its FMHG brand and into the retail with its chain of health and beauty stores Lifespring.