Granules India Inaugurates Two Centres of Excellence at IIT Hyderabad

On December 1, 2025, Granules India officially inaugurated two Centres of Excellence at the Technology Research Park of the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad). The event was attended by key figures including Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India, Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director of Granules India, and Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad.

Overview of the Centres

The two newly inaugurated centres are:

• Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterisation
• Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering

Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterisation

This centre, established under Ascelis Peptides, the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) arm of Granules, will focus on the development of various types of peptides, including:

• Cosmetic peptides
• Therapeutic peptides
• Pharmaceutical peptides

The Ascelis Center is notable for being the first peptide development and characterisation facility in India. It is equipped to perform primary, secondary, and tertiary structure characterisation of peptides. Furthermore, the centre will collaborate with Senn Chemicals in Switzerland to enhance global peptide development and reduce dependency on external partners.

Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering

The Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering aims to advance research in several critical areas:

• Polymorph research
• Material science
• Novel drug delivery systems, including amorphous solid dispersions

This centre replaces previous external development models and is designed to support first-to-file opportunities, enhance formulation performance, and develop proprietary technologies specifically for regulated markets.

Statements from Leadership

During the inauguration, Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati expressed his enthusiasm for the new facilities, stating:

“Scientific excellence and rigorous research have always shaped our long-term strategy at Granules. 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 specialised 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.”

Significance of the Centres

The establishment of these Centres of Excellence is a significant step forward for Granules India as it seeks to enhance its research and development capabilities in the pharmaceutical sector. The focus on peptide development and particle engineering aligns with current trends in drug formulation and delivery, which are critical for meeting the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers.

Future Prospects

With the inauguration of these centres, Granules India aims to:

• Strengthen its position in the global pharmaceutical market
• Accelerate the development of innovative drug delivery systems
• Enhance collaboration with international partners

The strategic focus on peptides and particle engineering is expected to lead to breakthroughs that could significantly impact various therapeutic areas, including oncology, metabolic diseases, and more.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterisation and the Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering marks a pivotal moment for Granules India and IIT Hyderabad. These centres not only underscore the commitment of Granules India to scientific excellence but also highlight the growing importance of collaborative research in the pharmaceutical industry. As the industry continues to evolve, these centres are poised to play a crucial role in driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.

Note: This article is based on the latest updates from Granules India and IIT Hyderabad as of December 1, 2025.