The Mumbai based CRO, Research Support International Ltd (RSIL), a subsidiary of DIL Ltd, has signed a joint venture agreement with Evotec. The JV will combine Evotec's expertise in library design, synthesis, analysis, purification and project management. RSIL is also setting up a cGMP scale up facility and cGMP pilot plant at Thane by the end of 2007.

In a telephonic interview with RSIL's director, Irfan Bandukwalla, said, "We are delighted to partner with Evotec in offering the design, synthesis and management of compound libraries to the pharmaceutical industry. This joint venture will be able to address the ever growing need of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies who want to outsource their library synthesis needs to highly skilled partners who offer expertise, experience and solutions at cost effective rates."

Evotec-RSIL Ltd will design compound libraries of low hundreds to thousands of compounds per scaffold by accessing chemistries already validated at Evotec and RSIL. To design synthesise compound libraries, the joint venture will also offer library management services in which it will be able to analyse and purify large screening libraries in a cost efficient manner. RSIL's scientists coupled with a low cost structure in India is to provide a high quality, cost efficient solution for the provision and management of compound libraries to the pharmaceutical industry. At present the strength of the work force at RSIL is over 100, Whereas for the JV is approximatily 25 including scientists, . For the last fiscal company it has generated revenue Rs 10.79 crore, however, its growth rate is around 20-25 per cent for the year to year.

Although company is looking for cost effectiveness, the design and synthesis of high quality compounds using strong project management is critical. Evotec has a strong track record in this field as exemplified by collaborations with companies such as Bayer, Merck & Co. Inc, Almirall Prodesfarma, Roche and Solvay. RSIL is a well-established contract research organisation located on a scientific campus in Thane, a suburb of Mumbai, India. It has offered chemistry services for over two decades to pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide.

"Evotec has enjoyed an enviable reputation in the synthesis of large screening and focused libraries for many years. Through this joint venture we are able to team up with the excellent scientists and management at RSIL to continue to provide this invaluable service at competitive prices for our customers. We are very pleased to collaborate with RSIL, one of India's premier chemistry services business, commented Dr Mario Polywka, chief operating officer of Evotec. "With the formation of this joint venture through a contribution in kind of Evotec's library business, Evotec is making another significant step in its strategy to focus its core business in Europe on high value solutions and products for the pharmaceutical industry."

Speaking about further expansion plans, Bandukwalla said, "We are also setting up a new pilot plant facility. Adding new synthesis laboratories offering chemistry based services and expanding our clinical support services. Simultaneously, we are also offering site selection and study monitoring, audit services to meet the robust demand for its services. In addition, RSIL is ready to set up a cGMP scale-up facility and a cGMP Pilot plant, which is expected to be ready by the end of 2007".