Scotland eyes clinical trial business from Indian firms

Hyderabad February 14, 2014:- Scotland is offering a slew of facilities for Indian pharma and biotech companies to conduct clinical trials, according to Rooma Bussi, Country Director – India, Scottish Development International (SDI).

Scotland was an ideal location for conducting clinical trials in view of the simple regulatory procedures, ecosystem and expertise, she told newspersons here along with a business delegation from Scotland which was here to take part in the BioAsia 2014 scheduled for next week.

“Though the cost of clinical trials per patient is higher in Scotland when compared to India, it has other advantages such as regulatory clearance within 90 days,’’ she said.

Scotland had 140 contract research organisations and including pharma/biotech giants such as GSK while some Indian companies like Piramal were already present in Scotland.

“We are in the process of talking to many other companies such as Dr Reddy’s Laboratories in Hyderabad,’’ he said

Both Scotland and Indian businesses could partner in stemcell research, clinical trials, regenerative medicine and affordable healthcare, Pradeep Ramayya, Chief Executive of Scotland-based AxSys Technology Ltd, said.

According to SDI data, the bilateral trade between India and Scotland is around £400 million.- Business Line