The Pune-based Raj Biotech Pvt. Ltd, a provider of contract research services in pre clinical drug development, said it would commence safety pharmacology services from this year. Apart, the company is also validating models in the area of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Raj Biotech, which has an animal facility in its credit, also revealed that it has plans to breed and house large animals like goats, sheep, mini-pigs and dogs.

According to a company spokesperson, Raj Biotech's animal facility caters to the needs of laboratory animals to more than 60 research institutes, pharma and biotechnology companies in India, who are CPCSEA registered. Laboratory animals include mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits of various strains commonly used in drug discovery research.

The company also offers parking services for institutions, which do not have means to maintain laboratory animals. Under this parking service, scientists can come and work at Raj Biotech and go back with results, the company sources noted.

Raj Biotech has so far completed studies in the area of inflammation, oncology, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and its complications, diabetes and its complication, anti infective, psoriasis, glaucoma, analgesics, immunomodulatory, gastro intestinal system, anti oxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anti pyretic and anti diarrhoeal and anti stress models.

Looking ahead, Raj Biotech, which was established in 2000, said that the company is expecting more business taking advantage of India's status as an emerging global hub for contract research and manufacturing services. The comparative cost advantage in India can be seen from the fact that Indian companies can manufacture pharmaceuticals for less than half of what it costs in the US, conduct clinical trials at less than one tenth of US costs, and conduct research at less than one eighth of what it costs in the US, the company sources pointed out.

"The company will continue to focus on research as it is the foundation upon which Raj Biotech's strategy of new animal models, new biological products and quality stands," said, Arun Bhat, Director, Raj Biotech.