With the setting up of a new state-of-the-art global research and development centre at Gagillapur, Medak dist, in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs 50 crore, the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company SMS Pharmaceutical Ltd is all set to enter into the contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS) business. The company's new R&D centre was recently inaugurated by Dr A Chakravarthy, chairman, National Institute of Pharma Education and Research (NIPER).

The new research facility was constructed in an area of 7.20 acres with 99842 sq ft built up area including pilot scale development plant comprising separate quality assurance block. The company has developed its research centre in a phased manner. For the phase I, it has developed 10 new laboratories at the ground floor of the centre. In the new R&D centre, the company will be developing every year four new molecules with the help of 14 scientists in each unit.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, P Ramesh Babu, chairman and managing director, said, "We have built a new research and development facility at Medak district in Andhra Pradesh. With the help of this facility we are foraying into the contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS).

"The integrated R&D facility will provide impetus to the company to scale up new products, NCE's and synthesizing the alternate routes for existing products. Our phase I expansion has already completed and phase II will be in the same facility on the first floor, but we are waiting for the international client request. Once we will get the opportunity immediately, we will start working on that".

Presently, the company is actively involved in developing new products for the anti-ulcer, hypertensive, cancer, diabetes, anti-fungal and retroviral therapeutic segment. It has around 70 scientists in its old research and development centre and planning to add 170 more scientists by the end of complete expansion in R&D. Till now, the company has filed 7 drugs master files (DMFs) and planning to file 15-16 more DMFs in the next one year's time.

Talking about entry into the new therapeutic area, Babu, said, "We are open for contract research activities. If we will get new research oriented customer then we will definitely work on that".