The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has invited research proposals from academic institutions, national laboratories and industries in drugs and pharmaceuticals sector under the Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme (DPRP).

The DST has been operating DPRP to synergies the strengths of publicly funded R&D institutions and Indian pharmaceutical industry. The Programme also aims at creating an enabling infrastructure to facilitate new drug development in all systems of medicines and both for human and veterinary purposes.

Under the programme, Indian companies engaged in R&D in drug development and manufacturing can develop R&D projects jointly with academic institutions, national laboratories, University departments and/or any other publicly funded R&D institution. Leading academic institutions and national laboratories having scientific expertise proposing to set up facilities that match expertise and meet demands of pharma industry are eligible.

Indian pharma companies having recognised in-house R&D lab can seek loan for R&D projects. The soft loans to be given to pharma companies will attract simple interest at three per cent on diminishing amount.

The research proposals are to be sent to Dr Laxman Prasad, adviser and head (TDT), Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, informed the circular.