Granules India Expands R&D Footprint with Two CoEs at IIT Hyderabad for Peptides and Particle Engineering
Granules India Limited has recently inaugurated two advanced Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at the Technology Research Park of IIT Hyderabad. These centers are dedicated to enhancing research and development in the fields of peptide development and particle engineering.
Inauguration Details
The inauguration ceremony was led by Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India, alongside Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director, and Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad. The establishment of these CoEs marks a significant milestone in Granules India’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation.
Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization
The first center, named the Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization, is established under Ascelis Peptides, which is the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) arm of Granules. This center aims to drive the development of various peptides, including:
- Cosmetic peptides
- Therapeutic peptides
- Pharmaceutical peptides
This facility is the first of its kind in India for Ascelis and is equipped with advanced technology for the characterization of primary, secondary, and tertiary peptide structures. It will also collaborate with Granules’ Swiss-based R&D facility, Senn Chemicals, thereby strengthening the group’s integrated global peptide offerings and reducing reliance on external partners.
Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering
The second center, the Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering, focuses on advancing research in polymorphs, material science, and novel drug delivery systems. This includes:
- Amorphous solid dispersions
- Polymorph research
- Material science innovations
The establishment of this center replaces previous external and ad-hoc development processes with a dedicated research platform. This strategic move is expected to enable first-to-file opportunities, enhance formulation performance, and support the creation of proprietary technologies aimed at regulated markets.
Vision and Commitment
During the inauguration, Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati emphasized the importance of scientific excellence and rigorous research in shaping Granules India’s long-term strategy. He stated:
“The launch of these Centres of Excellence significantly strengthens our capabilities in peptides and advanced material sciences, areas that will define the next wave of pharmaceutical innovation. With specialized infrastructure and deep scientific expertise, we are enhancing our CDMO ambitions, accelerating breakthrough development, and building differentiated technologies that elevate our global competitiveness and deliver meaningful value to our partners and patients worldwide.”
About Granules India Ltd.
Granules India Limited, incorporated in 1991, is a rapidly growing vertically integrated Indian pharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad. The company is known for its commitment to operational excellence, quality, and customer service. Granules India is among the few pharmaceutical companies globally that manufacture the entire value chain, which includes:
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
- Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates (PFIs)
- Finished Dosages (FDs)
- Peptides CDMO
The company distributes its products to over 300 customers in both regulated and semi-regulated markets, with a global presence that extends to more than 80 countries. Granules India operates 11 manufacturing facilities, with 8 located in India, 2 in the USA, and 1 in Switzerland. The company holds regulatory approvals from various international organizations, including:
- US FDA
- EDQM
- EU GMP
- COFEPRIS
- WHO GMP
- TGA
- K FDA
- DEA
- MCC
- HALAL
Conclusion
The establishment of these Centres of Excellence at IIT Hyderabad is a significant step forward for Granules India, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. By investing in advanced research capabilities, Granules aims to enhance its competitive edge and deliver greater value to its partners and patients globally.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data as of October 2023.
