The centre is expected to focus on the development of groundbreaking modifier gene therapies, regenerative cell therapy, and vaccines.
Published May 19, 2023 | 4:56 PM ⚊ Updated May 19, 2023 | 5:02 PM
KTR with the Ocugen team in New York. (Supplied)
Ocugen, a biotechnology company based in the United States, has unveiled plans to establish what it says will be a cutting-edge research and development (R&D) centre in Hyderabad in Telangana.
The centre is expected to focus on the development of modifier gene therapies, regenerative cell therapy, and vaccines to address unmet medical needs and support public health initiatives.
The move is also expected to make a significant economic impact in the region and create numerous job opportunities in the coming years.
The announcement follows a meeting between Telangana IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao and Ocugen Chairman, CEO, and co-founder Dr Shankar Musunuri, along with other officials in the United States.
KTR is currently on a two-week visit to the United States to meet industry leaders and businesses with the hope of eliciting investments for Telangana.
Delighted to welcome @Ocugen to the vibrant biotech ecosystem of Hyderabad as they are setting up an R&D center with focus on modifier gene therapies and regenerative cell therapy, which is one of the key areas of focus for us as we look to triple the size of lifesciences… pic.twitter.com/HRzH6Bib1b
— KTR (@KTRBRS) May 18, 2023
Ocugen is the exclusive partner of Bharat Biotech, an Indian vaccine manufacturer, for the distribution of Covaxin in the United States and Canada.
Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Ocugen aims to discover, develop, and commercialise innovative treatment options that improve global healthcare through innovations, the Telangana Life Sciences Department said in a statement.
“With the expansion of operations in India, Ocugen aims to become a truly global organisation by embracing novel approaches to medicine with a strong focus on patient-centred care,” Musunuri was quoted as saying in the statement.
KT Rama Rao expressed delight in welcoming Ocugen to Hyderabad, citing the region’s biotech industry and robust academic foundation, which he said had attracted both local and international players to establish R&D centres.
“The move further bolsters Hyderabad’s position as a prominent hub for biotechnology research and development,” said KTR.
Ocugen’s R&D pipeline encompasses three core platform technologies targetting ophthalmology, orthopaedics, and infectious diseases.
The company’s modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases caused by mutations in various genes, using a single product, a significant departure from traditional gene therapies.
Dr Arun Upadhyay, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research, Development, and Medical at Ocugen, said that the centre would create a unique platform for discovering next-generation regenerative and genetic medicines.
