Abbott plans to establish its first nutrition research and development (R&D)centre in the country in collaboration with Syngene, a subsidiary of Biocon. The Abbott nutrition R&D centre in India will focus on the development of science—based, affordable nutrition products for the country and enable the expansion of Abbott’s nutrition product portfolio there.
Abbott selected Syngene to provide a science-based research and innovation team to work closely with Abbott researchers. More than 50 researchers and scientists will be based at the Abbott nutrition R&D centre in India at Biocon Park in Bangalore, which is expected to open in June 2012. The new R&D centre will focus on the development of nutrition products for maternal and child nutrition and diabetes care. Preventing undernutrition has emerged as one of the most critical health challenges in India.
“With malnutrition and common chronic diseases at their highest in this region, Abbott and Syngene have a common vision and commitment to support the development of a healthier India,” said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder, chairman and managing director, Biocon Group. “The combined market insights and nutrition science expertise of our two organisations will enable us to address these immediate needs by developing critically important, innovative yet affordable nutrition products for the Indian population.”
Peter Bains, director, Syngene and Clinigene said, “We are extremely delighted to partner with Abbott for this synergistic collaboration for its nutrition business. Our objective will be to develop new products for Abbott’s nutrition portfolio. This symbolises Syngene’s growing capability to offer science-based R&D solutions across a wide range of life science platforms.”
