Genzyme, one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, has tied up with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals for two 'Genzyme India Fellowships' for excellence in biotechnology.

Professor P Ramarao, director, NIPER and Sandeep Sahney, managing director, Genzyme India Pvt Ltd signed the MoU in New Delhi in the presence of Ashok Kumar, secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals.

As per the terms of the MoU, NIPER would be provided grants by Genzyme India to support its research program. One fellowship of Rs.10,000/- per month would be provided for two years to a post graduate student and a second fellowship of Rs 16,000/- per month for three years to a Ph D candidate.

"We are very pleased to collaborate with Genzyme India," said professor P Ramarao, director, NIPER. "This partnership will contribute significantly in the newly emerging area of biotechnology research," he added.

Based on the demands of the Indian pharmaceutical industry and its unique requirements, the Centre notified establishment of the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in July, 2008. This collaboration gels well with the Department's Vision 2020 for strengthening country's biotechnology capacity to positively impact the lives of Indian people.

According to Sahney, the MoU with NIPER is one more way of demonstrating Genzyme's commitment to India, and follows the earlier collaboration with ICGEB in November last year. "We are confident the 'Genzyme India Fellowships' will act as a catalyst in promoting academic excellence and applied research," he said.