Pfizer sets up Asia's first global drug development centre in Chennai

Global pharma major Pfizer has set up a global drug development centre at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Research Park in Chennai that will develop and support products in global markets and Pfizer’s manufacturing centres worldwide. 

The centre’s capabilities will include the development of both, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms (FDFs) of differentiated products such as complex/value-added formulations, controlled-release dosage forms, device-combination products, lyophilized injections, powder-fill products, and ready-to-use formulations.  

  “The development will allow for synergistic co-development of cutting-edge API and FDF processes under the same roof. The world-class scientific, technology and innovation-driven Research Park campus provides an ideal setting for our work. We are hopeful that the proximity to IIT Madras and other technology Research Park start-ups will also improve academia and industry partnerships and encourage greater collaboration to drive innovation,” said S Sridhar, Country Manager, Pfizer India. 

 Pfizer has invested over $20 million (Rs 150 crore) in the 61,000 sq ft research and technology center at the IIT Madras Research Park. While this center will be a part of a network of 12 global centers set up worldwide, it is the first and only one at present being set up by Pfizer in Asia. 

“There is a growing need for pharma companies to provide innovative solutions that address the new challenges that healthcare providers and patients are facing. This Research centre would be aligned with our larger national objective to improve the availability, affordability and access to drugs throughout the world from India by building on the convergence with digital solutions available here, and leveraging academic collaborations,” said S Aparna, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. 

The centre integrates two essential functions under the export-oriented undertaking of Pfizer Inc.: Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmSci) and Global Technology and Engineering (GT&E) Center of Excellence. PharmSci is dedicated to the development of anti-infectives, oncolytics, sterile injectables, anesthesia products, CNS products, and uniquely differentiated hospital products. GT&E pioneers next-generation API process and manufacturing technology to supply medicines to patients around the globe. 

 “The proximity of Pfizer to IITM, scientists and students, the Tech corridor, and other leading industry start-ups will foster greater collaboration between industry and academia. The academicians at IITM will benefit from having access to Pfizer’s center.” said Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President, IITM Research Park. 

 The 61,000 sq ft facility employs over 250 scientists and professionals from a range of scientific disciplines including Formulation Scientists and Pharmacists, Analytical Scientists with expertise in process, analytical and formulation medicinal sciences, Life Science specialists such as Microbiologists and Biotechnologists, Chemical Engineers, Data Scientists, and Program Managers.