BANGALORE, India—Expanding its research and development capabilities in India, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. recently announced two deals, one with Biocon Ltd. and another with Accenture. Both deals are an integral part of the company's overall R&D global strategy of accessing top-talent around the world in support of its goal of achieving sustainable, cost-effective growth. In total, the deals represent a $300 investment by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
With Biocon, Bristol-Myers Squibb will significantly increase the scope of its existing relationship with the company to further develop integrated capabilities in India in medicinal chemistry, biology, drug metabolism and pharmaceutical development. Under the terms of the agreement, Biocon—through its subsidiary Syngene International—will work with Bristol-Myers Squibb to establish a research facility in Bangalore that could ultimately house more than 400 scientists to help advance Bristol-Myers Squibb's discovery and early drug development. Established in 1978, Biocon is considered one of India's premier biotechnology companies, and it delivers products and solutions to partners and customers in 50 countries.
In a separate multi-year agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will expand its relationship with Accenture—a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company—to include support for clinical data and document management, pharmacovigilance and scientific writing functions in India. Accenture will also provide maintenance and support for R&D information systems. Bristol-Myers Squibb will utilize Accenture's well-established Life Science Centers for Excellence in Bangalore and Chennai, which follow industry accepted operational practices and international standards in the clinical area.
"This broad expansion of R&D in India will allow us to grow competitively while maintaining our industry-leading position in productivity and innovation," says Dr. Elliott Sigal, executive vice president at Bristol-Myers Squibb and CSO and president of the Pharmaceutical Research Institute. "Working with Biocon and Accenture, two well-respected and valued partners, Bristol-Myers Squibb will continue to access world-class talent to deliver and grow our robust product pipeline."
"We are delighted to announce this one-of-a-kind discovery research partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb, a recognized global healthcare leader," says Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman and managing director, Biocon Limited. "The new research facility marks a significant step forward in Biocon and Syngene's evolution as a valuable partner to the global pharmaceutical industry."
"As the industry continues to face increased pressure to deliver new product innovations efficiently, leading companies are rethinking R&D operating models for sustained growth and productivity," notes Jonathan Lange, a partner in Accenture's Health & Life Sciences practice and global lead for the company's Clinical Services offering. "Through our R&D Centers of Excellence, we are building assets and a collaborative working model that will fuel high performance for Bristol-Myers Squibb's R&D efforts."
