Bio-Rad Laboratories, which offers a broad range of novel tools and services to the Clinical Diagnostics and Life Science research markets, has teamed up with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai to provide cost effective solutions for the Indian biotechnology and bio-pharma industry.

In this connection a facility has been set up at ICT to provide "separation solutions", both in part and full to the Indian bio-pharma Industry. Technical expertise at ICT combined with the wide product support from Bio-Rad is expected to provide the 'missing link' between bench scale technologies and successful commercial ventures through cost-effective separation solutions using modern equipment and technology," informed Professor Arvind Lali, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai.

As part of this initiative, Bio-Rad organized a seminar on "Challenges and Solutions in Modern Chromatographic Separations" in Bangalore. In his address Prof. Lali said chromatography is one of the most effective and popular techniques in the modern era of bio molecule separations for bio pharma sector and allied industry.

"Broad objective of the initiative is to develop and enhance the science of chromatographic separation and generate manpower expertise for Indian bio-pharma industry. It is also aimed at providing an equipped laboratory facility where developmental work can be carried out to assist the industry in their separation problems" said Himanshu, division manager, Life Sciences, Bio-Rad.

"Chromatography as a technology is a powerful method and offers a great reproducibility and consistency in both analytical and production level. Also the cost and time associated with it is less as compared to other parallel techniques. When used effectively, it can help the industry to have cost effective production by increasing yield and quality of final product. This technique has a great significance in bio-molecule separations and purifications and is also effective in clinical diagnostics." Prof. Lali said.

Chromatography is used as a vital tool at various stages from R&D to production in labs, quality assurance and controls and manufacturing (production). It is one of the most trusted and established techniques in New Drug discovery, Vaccine manufacturing and development, Generic drugs production and research.

Bio-Rad offers a wide range of resins/ media, lab scale systems and production scale systems. The company is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Bio-Rad Laboratories USA, headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, and has regional offices at Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkotta, Bangalore and Hyderabad.