Seen in picture: (from left to right) Dr Vasant Kumar, Prof & HOD, Dept of Pharmacology, Dr RSP Rao, Dean, Dr SK Misra, Director, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Dr MS Valiathan, Advisor and former Vice Chancellor- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dr Gurumadhva Rao -Registrar and Brig VP Bhaskaran, Medical Superintendant of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.

A Clinical Centre of Excellence was opened here at the Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal in Karnataka. The centre which is a joint venture between the college and Ranbaxy Laboratories, was inaugurated by Dr. M.S. Valiathan, former Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The main objective of the centre is to promote excellence in clinical research and is sponsored by Ranbaxy Laboratories in a joint venture with KMC, Manipal. 

The Centre will enable the development of newer drugs by following International Standards. It would also enable the researchers to strengthen their research capabilities by training the faculty in conducting clinical trials as per International guidelines. 

Dr. S.K.Misra, Director, Ranbaxy Labs said, “We will carry out a number of new drug trials at the centre in the fields of urological, respiratory and other infectious diseases, adhering to international norms like ICH-GCP guidelines so that the results are valid globally.”

D.A.Prasanna, Board Member, Manipal Academy of Higher Education said, “Clinical research presents a major opportunity for Manipal to optimise the use of its immense expertise and experience in medical and healthcare. We are thankful to Ranbaxy to make this happen.”

The centre will help create competence in research and training and the expertise will be used to conduct clinical trials in various hospitals of the Manipal Group located in Manipal, Mangalore and Bangalore. KMC-Manipal has already been conducting trials sponsored by Ranbaxy Laboratories and with the creation of the Clinical Centre for Excellence will further strengthen the programme.

Dr. M.S.Valiathan, said, “There is a need for a change in the mindset of academia towards evidence based medicine. Clinical trials have to be conducted according to International standards adhering to scientific and ethical guidelines.”

Dr.Gurumadhav Rao, Registrar, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dr. R.S.P.Rao, Dean and Dr.Vasanth Kumar, Prof. & Head of Pharmacology, KMC-Manipal were present at the inauguration.