The Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), the DUKE University and The Open Source Health Laboratories (OSHL) recently organised a workshop on Meeting the Challenges of Developing New Anticancer Therapies in New Delhi. The workshop attracted interest and participation from public agencies and private companies.
The workshop was led by internationally renowned cancer researcher, Dr H Kim Lyerly of Duke University who discussed methods of developing new anticancer therapies in India and the US for worldwide distribution. Strategic planning, clinical trial initiatives, translational research, and regulatory elements of the drug development process were discussed. Attendees were provided with a broad overview of the annual US FDA workshop whose goal is to expedite the development and validation for new anticancer and cancer prevention agents.
Lyerly said, “Indian pharmaceutical and biotech companies and public institutions have researchers and facilities that are capable of researching and developing new anti-cancer drugs. The traditional Indian medicine systems too have several remedies but in order for them to be validated for global use they too need to go through the same procedure as any other chemical or biotech drug. The workshop will surely help in improving the drug development processes of anti-cancer drugs in India.”
Dr Vijay Chandru, CEO, Strand Life Sciences and EC member (ABLE) observed, “We are grateful to Lyerly for having come all the way to offer his expert advice on these topics. Drug development is one of the most expensive aspects of getting drugs to the market. The prowess of researchers and regulators in India in this highly regulated space depends on timely knowledge of global standards and benchmarks and how to approach them. The biopharma sector in India is active in oncology therapeutics with global market aspirations and welcomes such interactions with thought leaders in development.”
Charles Maynard, ED, OSHL commented, “The workshop is one example of the types of international collaborations that OHSL seeks to initiate, nurture and develop. The speed with which global collaborative medical research is being launched continues to be enigmatic and therefore it is necessary for organisations such as OHSL to exist. From our vantage point, we can leverage a great deal of resources to facilitate the successful stewardship of these medical research projects. We have done it and therefore we understand what it takes. We look forward to a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship with the various medical research communities and organisations in Asia such as ABLE as we do in other parts of the world.”
EP News Bureau