Novartis Pharma AG is keen to partner with India for discovery research and molecule outsourcing after 2005, when the product patent regime sets in, said Thomas Ebeling, CEO — Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland .

Looking at India as one among the top 10 priority markets with its gross potential value in the next 5-7 years, the MNC is exploring collaborations with Indian pharmaceutical companies in areas of licensing, R&D and marketing, he said.

“We have got plans of tying up with top research oriented India drug companies for drug discovery research and molecule out licensing. Also, India with its 70 US FDA approved plants is clearly in the company’s radar for outsourcing key ingredients for our global requirements, post 2005,” said Ebeling.

To initiate the discussion process with Indian companies, Novartis has organised an “Art of Collaboration Symposium” in Mumbai on Friday, March 5, 2004. The one-day meet will showcase Novartis’ core strengths in various therapeutic areas. It will present an opportunity to the senior management team in Novartis’ Licensing, R&D and marketing departments to meet and discuss potential collaboration opportunities with Indian pharmaceutical companies, explained Ranjit Shahani, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Novartis India Ltd.

“A regulatory environment which respects intellectual property will provide an impetus to more R&D by both Indian and foreign companies in India,” he observed.

Shahani further stated that India with its strong scientific pool has the makings of a research powerhouse and should not be apprehensive of a strong patent regime.