Russian biotech firms eye tie-ups with Indian companies

Russian biotech sector is keen on partnering with Indian biotechnology companies to take up joint research and development of products.

The biotechnology associations of both countries are currently engaged in identifying areas for collaboration and technology transfer.

“We are working on creating a platform for joint activities between the Indian and Russian biotechnology sectors. The effort is currently on to create a common platform and bringing together various stakeholders including the companies onto the platform,” Raif G Vasilov, chief operating officer of the Russian Biotechnology Association (RBA), told DNA.

According to him, the immediate focus is on agri biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and vaccines. “Russian biotechnology sector is already strong in certain areas and we are planning to expand the presence of the companies in Russia to other geographies. The Indian biotech sector too has been working on development of new products. We are willing to transfer the technologies that are developed in Russia to the Indian partners. Though it would take sometime before we roll out any products through the joint initiative, the process has begun,” Vasilov said. A delegation of Russian biotechnology sector is expected to visit India shortly to evaluate the options for collaboration and also offer technologies available in Russia.