Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, in the area of New Drug Discovery Research (NDDR). The research will be conducted under the aegis of DBT's major initiative in the area of tuberculosis.

Three major areas identified in the program are: development of diagnostics, development of vaccines and development of drugs.

Speaking on the occasion, Malvinder Mohan Singh, CEO and MD, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, said, "We are pleased to have this alliance with DBT in the area of NDDR and will work towards building a winning model to develop innovative medicines in the area of tuberculosis".

Under the alliance, Ranbaxy will develop novel drugs, using inhibitor design for novel targets/pathways /proteins etc. DBT will support the project with a financial grant, for a period of three years in the first phase of the collaboration. On identification of a lead molecule, DBT and Ranbaxy will jointly support its clinical development. A joint Steering Committee will be constituted to direct, manage and coordinate the collaboration.

The bipartite agreement was signed by the representatives of Ranbaxy and DBT.