The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is in the process of appointing a consultant to develop a business model for the proposed national animal resource facility near Hyderabad. Designs, basic structures and the land for the facility are already in place. Budget evaluations will be completed soon.

ICMR will be selecting a private partner by floating a tender, soon. The animal research facility has already attracted attention from across the world. Two international firms have already expressed interest to use the services of the facility, Dr Suresh, project co-ordinator, National Institute of Nutrition, told Pharmabiz.

ICMR is setting up the facility in support with the Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Government of AP. It will be a public-private venture.

"The projected cost of the facility is around Rs 280 crore and may cross Rs 300 crore towards the end of implementation of the project. The Centre is expected to provide up to Rs 7 crore towards this facility. Central Government is keen to provide all the support within the tenth five-year plan," Dr Suresh added.

Drug discovery is a complex process and a multi-disciplinary function. Time and cost are involved in developing a successful molecule, and facilities for animal research can assist drug discovery companies enormously.

Ethical issues relating to conduct of animal research studies have been dealt with in detail, and Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister of Science and Technology has addressed all the bottlenecks that had been coming in the way of carrying out animal studies in India, he added.

Dr A Ashok, director of biotechnology, Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Andhra Pradesh said, "The animal research facility being developed by ICMR through its constituent body National Institute of Nutrition, near Hyderabad, will help drug discovery companies. AP Government realising the significance of this facility has already provided 103 acres of land."

The proposal has received the Ethics Committee approval and construction at the site is yet to begin. Safety, protection and rehabilitation of animals will be given due attention at the facility, on par with international norms and standards, Dr Ashok added.