Bioneeds Laboratory Animals & Preclinical Services, a Contract Research Organization (CRO) will be investing around $8 million to expand its existing infrastructure into a 60,000 sq.ft from the existing 27,324 sq ft.

The priority is to become a GLP certified lab by the end of 2008. The company focuses on animal breeding and preclinical experimentation in small animals. Its facility has been certified by the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision on Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) to carry out breeding and conducting animal experimentation besides facilitating import of laboratory animals from reputed international organizations.

The expansions will mainly target to fulfill the requirement of a dog facility, cancer /nude animal facility, cell and in-vitro assays and bio-analytical instrumentation." Investment into path breaking new technology and instruments will be an important phase in our future initiatives", Dr Vinay Babu, managing director, Bioneeds told Pharmabiz.

Bioneeds would build a strong patent portfolio in the coming years. Intellectual property and protecting the discoveries is a serious concern globally. "Patents would become our lifeline by 2012. We expect to build a patent portfolio of not less than 250 in the focused area of in-vivo activity and new techniques in screening of drugs", he added.

Venture capitalists have approached for investment and stakes in Bioneeds. But the company is keen on investments from value addition from pharma or biotech companies. Banks will be an alternative source of funding.

Set up in 2006, Bioneeds facility is at Sompura Hobali, Devarahosahally, Nelamangala Taluk in Bangalore Rural District. The Bioneeds Research Center (BRC) is a science complex where pharma and biotech companies can have space to conduct preclinical studies for their novel compounds according to CPCSEA & GLP ( Good Laboratory Practices) guidelines. Companies can lease well-established animal experimentation rooms, which are of international standards with controlled temperature, humidity and air handling. These companies have the benefit of utilizing haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, histopathology and bio-analytical laboratories. Other utilities like necropsy room, surgery room and autoclave in the science complex are well equipped to carry out advanced research in animal models. It also facilitates the import of transgenic animals for science complex occupants.

There is a well-established Vivarium facility with temperature humidity and air controlled double corridor system with all the support structures. Its expertise covers pharmacology, toxicology and efficacy studies. The science complex for pre-clinical studies and allowing pharma-biotech companies to function with ease is definitely the first-of-its-kind.

"Focus to serve the health care sector in model development and efficacy studies is also a new initiative. Presently, not many companies in India are offering these services", stated Dr. Babu. Bioneeds Preclinical Services (BPS) is a customized contract research services to predict the efficacy and toxicity for novel and generic drug candidates. It provides complete pre-clinical services including efficacy, pharmacokinetic, immunization trials, pyrogen testing, pharmacodynamic and toxicity studies.

An integrated services model with a value addition partner would make it the most sought after CRO for drug development. Pre-clinical and laboratory services has been the key focus of the company. Current strength of 30 doctorates, post graduates and graduates in veterinary sciences, microbiology, zoology and biochemistry will be doubled by the end of March 2009.