Eminent research scientist, Dr. William Jenkins, has joined the Board of Directors of Nicholas Piramal India Ltd (NPIL). Dr. Jenkins will be an advisor to NPIL for its on going R&D programme. His role will cover auditing of existing projects, new project evaluation and regulatory patents and IPR related advice.

Dr. Jenkins has been involved closely with the management and market delivery aspects of research programmes in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to his considerable academic and research achievements, he has been closely involved in projects like integrating the Sandoz and Ciba clinical and regulatory activities, systems, procedures and organizations, maintaining competitive speed of development during integration process following merger.

"We are very pleased to have Dr. Jenkins contributing his considerable expertise to our R&D programme. His considerable global perspective and skills will boost our efforts and benefit both patients and our investors," Ajay Piramal, chairman, NPIL, said.

Dr. Jenkins has been a consultant to pharmaceutical companies and investment and venture capital firms in the health sector since 1999. From 1997 to 1999, he served as Head of Clinical Development & Regulatory Affairs for Novartis Pharma AG, having held the same post pre-merger at Ciba-Geigy from 1992. Prior to that he was head of Global Clinical Research at Glaxo, and before that a deputy head of the UK Drug Regulatory Agency. Dr. Jenkins is a member of the Board of Directors of Tanox Inc, Virologic Inc, Eurand Pharmaceutical Holding N. V. and Strakan.