Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, US-based global leader, today announced expansion of its research and development (R&D) capabilities in India, as part of its existing tie-up with Biocon Ltd.

The expansion is an integral part of the company's overall R&D global strategy of accessing top-talent around the world in support of its goal of achieving sustainable, cost-effective growth, a release said.

Bristol-Myers Squibb will significantly increase the scope of its existing relationship with Biocon to further develop integrated capabilities in India in medicinal chemistry, biology, drug metabolism, etc. As per the agreement Biocon, through its subsidiary Syngene International, will work with Bristol-Myers Squibb to establish a research facility in Bangalore that could ultimately house more than 400 scientists to help advance Bristol-Myers Squibb's discovery and early drug development.

In a separate agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will expand its relationship with Accenture to include support for clinical data and document management, pharmacovigilance, and scientific writing functions in India. Accenture will also provide maintenance and support for R&D information systems. Bristol-Myers Squibb will utilize Accenture's well-established Life Science Centres for Excellence in Bangalore and Chennai, which follow industry accepted operational practices and international standards in the clinical area.

"This broad expansion of R&D in India will allow us to grow competively while maintaining our industry-leading position in productivity and innovation," said Elliott Sigal, MD, PhD, executive vice president, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and chief scientific officer, president, Pharmaceutical Research Institute. "Working with Biocon and Accenture, two well-respected and valued partners, Bristol-Myers Squibb will continue to access world-class talent to deliver and grow our robust product pipeline,'' he said in a release.

"We are delighted to announce this one-of-a-kind discovery research partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb, a recognized global healthcare leader," said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman and managing director, Biocon Limited. "The new research facility marks a significant step forward in Biocon and Syngene's evolution as a valuable partner to the global pharmaceutical industry", she added.