Granules India Establishes Advanced R&D Centers at IIT Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Granules India Ltd has recently inaugurated two advanced research centers of excellence (CoEs) at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad’s (IITH) Technology Research Park. This initiative includes the establishment of the Ascelis CoE for Peptide Development and Characterization, and the Granules CoE for Particle Engineering. These centers aim to enhance research capabilities in the pharmaceutical sector and contribute to the development of innovative drug delivery systems.
Overview of the Research Centers
The Ascelis CoE is part of Granules’ contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) arm, Ascelis Peptides. This center is dedicated to the development of cosmetic, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical peptides. It is the first facility of its kind in India, equipped for comprehensive characterization of peptide structures, including primary, secondary, and tertiary structures.
The Granules CoE, on the other hand, focuses on advancing polymorph research, material science, and novel drug delivery systems, particularly amorphous solid dispersions. This center replaces previous external and ad-hoc development practices with a dedicated research platform, enabling first-to-file opportunities and enhancing formulation performance.
Significance of the New Centers
Inaugurating the CoEs, Granules executive director Uma Chigurupati and IITH director Prof. BS Murty highlighted the importance of these centers in strengthening Granules’ capabilities in peptide and advanced material sciences. Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, CMD of Granules India, emphasized that these developments will define the next wave of pharmaceutical innovation.
Key Objectives
- Enhance in-house analytical and process development capabilities.
- Collaborate with the Swiss-based R&D facility, Senn Chemicals, to strengthen global peptide offerings.
- Reduce reliance on external partners for peptide development.
- Support the creation of proprietary technologies for regulated markets.
- Accelerate breakthrough development in drug formulation and delivery.
Strategic Importance for Granules India
Granules India has a long-standing commitment to scientific excellence and rigorous research, which has shaped its long-term strategy. With the establishment of these specialized research centers, the company aims to enhance its CDMO ambitions and build differentiated technologies that elevate its global competitiveness.
Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati’s Vision
Dr. Chigurupati stated, “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.” This vision reflects Granules’ dedication to innovation and quality in the pharmaceutical industry.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
The collaboration between Granules India and IITH is expected to foster a strong ecosystem for research and development in India. By leveraging the expertise of IITH and the resources of Granules, the CoEs are poised to make significant contributions to the pharmaceutical sector.
Potential Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
The advancements made at these CoEs could lead to:
- Enhanced drug formulation techniques that improve patient outcomes.
- Innovative delivery systems that increase the efficacy of medications.
- Development of new peptide-based therapies for various medical conditions.
- Strengthening India’s position as a global leader in pharmaceutical research and development.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Ascelis CoE for Peptide Development and Characterization and the Granules CoE for Particle Engineering marks a significant milestone for Granules India and the pharmaceutical research landscape in India. These centers not only enhance the company’s research capabilities but also contribute to the broader goal of advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates as of December 2, 2025, and aims to inform readers about the advancements in pharmaceutical research and development in India.
