Abbott has now commenced its advanced nutrition research in collaboration with Syngene. The multinational drug major has set up the  Abbott Nutrition R&D Centre in the Biocon Park which houses the Biocon Biopharmaceutical Research Centre (BBRC). The company is also in the process of scouting for a University partner to spur its innovation in research in the country.

The company has already tie-up with the University of Illinois where it has set up a Centre for Nutrition and Cognition. In India, Abbott is looking not just to tap the talent of young researchers but also look at a similar initiative to advance its research and comprehension on the needs of the Indian nutrition market, said Dr Robert H Miller, divisional vice president, Global R&D and Scientific Affairs for Abbott Nutrition.

The research with Biocon’s subsidiary Syngene is a Contract Research platform based on the FTE (Full Time Employee) model where Abbot could access the local scientific talent and technology to develop the nutrition- based products to address the local taste and texture preferences with new flavors and formulations. The three focus areas of the company are maternal, child and diabetes which will include five variants of meal replacements among other products. The time frame for research products to be ready would be between eight and 12 months. India could see the first of the meal replacements for diabetes, added Dr Miller.

The global drug major already has six research and development centres worldwide and India is the third after Ohio and Singapore. The advanced R&D Centre will focus on the development of science-based, affordable nutrition products which enables the expansion of its product portfolio. The facility covers over 13,000 sq feet and houses integrated capabilities including product development and analytical laboratories and an dedicated laboratory for analyzing flavour, sensory elements and packaging besides nutritional analysis ranging from micronutrient to microbiological testing.

Over 50 researchers of Syngene will be working for Abbott Nutrition R&D Centre which was inaugurated by Dr Sam Pitroda, advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations and Chairman of the National Innovation Council.

Abbott opted for Syngene to provide a science-based research and innovation team to work closely with Abbott researchers. “India is a priority market for investment, growth and innovation. But the company refused to divulge investment details. The new R&D centre will focus on the development of nutrition products for maternal and child nutrition and diabetes care. The centre will tap into local expertise to focus on product design, development and delivery specifically for the Indian consumer market, said Dr Miller.

According to John Landgraf, executive vice president, Global Nutrition, Abbott, the Bengaluru R&D centre will play a pivotal role in getting us even closer to the Indian market and address the nutritional requirements of the Indian consumer.

According to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman and managing director, Biocon Limited, the trend in the healthcare paradigm is moving from treating illness to managing wellness. We have malnutrition on the one hand and bad nutrition on the other, The growing number of child and maternal mortality is attributed to poor nutrition.

Peter Bains, director, Syngene International Limited, said, that our discovery scientists and development capabilities will be supporting Abbott Nutrition in this important strategic initiative in India.