Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, opened its first drug development centre in Asia at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, bringing together crucial research and development skills. Pfizer’s initiative is part of a global network of 12 global centres dedicated to developing small molecules and novel formulations for the global market.
Pfizer has invested over Rs 150 crore ($20 million) in the centre, which spans 61,000 square feet. Development of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms of differentiated products such as complex and value-added formulations, controlled-release dosage forms, device-combination products, lyophilized injections, powder-fill products, and ready-to-use formulations are among the capabilities brought under one roof by the centre. While the work has already begun with a few employees at the IIT Madras Research Park, the centre would employ more than 250 employees. The Centre stated that the employees will include scientists and professionals from a range of scientific disciplines including formulation scientists and pharmacists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, chemical engineers, data scientists, and program managers.
