National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) has introduced a new masters degree programme in Pharmacoinformatics and published over 90 research papers during the year 2004-'05. Two NIPER scientists received acclaimed honours during the period, Prof. P Rama Rao, director, NIPER informed.

Speaking at the foundation day function of the institute on February 15, 2005, Dr Rao said that NIPER had almost completed the setting up of a GLP compliant Pharmacology & Toxicology Laboratory. A building for the Department of Pharmaceutical Management is also close to completion. The World Bank has chosen the institute for its capacity building projects (training component) for the drug regulatory personnel and this project will run for a period five years, Dr Rao said.

Prof. P. Balaram, chairman, Division of Biologial Sciences Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore delivered the foundation day lecture on "Peptide Toxins from Cone Snails: Revisiting the Chemistry of Natural Products." Prof. Balaram outlined various techniques and results of his research group to the audience. His presentation covered diverse areas and was particularly relevant for the younger scientists. He urged the scientific community to integrate natural product chemistry with biology in order to make progress. Dr Nitya Nand, ex-director, CDRI, Lucknow presided over the function. Prof. K K Bhutani, Dean of the Institute proposed vote of thanks.