Institute of Life Sciences and Aptuit Laurus have signed an agreement for joint research collaboration to enhance drug research and discovery programmes ongoing at the institute.

As part of this collaboration, both ILS and Aptuit Laurus would provide expertise and would be working in the area of Human Histone Deacetylase Proteins in relation to metabolic disorders (like diabetes). ILS will also provide incubation and training in the initial phase of the collaboration.

Commenting on the research collaboration Dr Javed Iqbal, director, Institute of Life Sciences said, "ILS is a unique model of high quality research in the country with an emphasis on translational research with focus in identifying novel therapies for neglected diseases and metabolic disorders. This collaboration opens up great opportunities for world class research at ILS and is part of our ongoing efforts to enter into research partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies."

"Aptuit Laurus has unique capabilities in offering a wide range of services to accelerate the drug discovery and development process. We are interested in collaborating with Institutes of eminence worldwide and this research collaboration with ILS is one such step to achieving our objectives and provide world class service," said Dr Satyanarayana, CEO of Aptuit Laurus.

The Institute of Life Sciences is a not-for-profit organization in Hyderabad, India formed through the partnership of Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation, Andhra Pradesh State Government and University of Hyderabad. The institute operates as an autonomous body and pursues research in relevant areas of chemical and biological sciences in order to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in chosen diseases and translates this understanding into approaches for discovering novel therapies.

Aptuit Laurus is a pharmaceutical company with a focus on providing integrated services to innovators in the pharmaceutical sector in custom synthesis, medicinal chemistry, analytical services, formulation development and large scale manufacturing.