The Hindu : Front Page : U.S. team to discuss setting up of production facility for cheap drugs

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Monday, Oct 22, 2007
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U.S. team to discuss setting up of production facility for cheap drugs

Shastry V. Mallady

They are likely to meet Chief Minister on October 24 or 25

Proposal for
nano-facility
at Coimbatore
Clinton to be partner in varsity initiative

MADURAI: An expert team from Arkansas University, U.S., is visiting Chennai to discuss with Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on establishing a manufacturing facility to produce low-cost drugs/medical devices that would be in the reach of common man.

The Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, has submitted a proposal to establish a Nano-facility Centre on its campus with support from the American university and State Government through an initial investment of Rs.20 crore for treatment of diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease and heart ailments. G. Thiruvasagam, Vice-Chancellor of Bharathiar University, told The Hindu here on Sunday that the meeting with Chief Minister is likely to take place by October 24 or 25 in which officials from the two universities, health and higher education departments, and others would participate. Representatives from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would also take part.

Infrastructure ready

“We have already provided basic infrastructure and equipment to qualify Bharathiar University for this facility. The centre will start manufacturing after getting the Government’s nod,” he said.

According to Dr. Thiruvasagam, the Arkansas University has been pioneering research and production in nano-technology fields and that expertise would now be available for Bharathiar University also. A team from Coimbatore including the Vice-Chancellor and Government representatives had visited the U.S. during September to explore the possibility of partnership.

Explaining the significance of the project, the Vice-Chancellor said that products such as ‘glucose sensor watch’ would be available for diabetes patients at Rs.500 and drugs for other diseases will be at an affordable cost.

The Global Nano-Medicine Initiative Programme, of which former U.S. President Bill Clinton is the chairman, will also be a partner in the Bharathiar University’s initiative by extending its funding/expertise and technology through Arkansas University.

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