Biotech to be given further boost

By agencies   |   Thursday, 16 June 2005, 19:30 IST
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WASHINGTON: Observing that there is a need of Indo U.S. collaboration in Biotech sector, Union Science, Technology and Ocean Development Minister Kapil Sibal has said that the billion dollar industry will get a big boost with American help. The protocols needed to formalize for further collaboration between India and the U.S., for the transfer of biological material from America which will be discussed in New Delhi next month, Sibal told reporters after talks with acting U.S. deputy Commerce Secretary David A. Sampson. The transfer, in two categories out of five, to speed up the process and avoid delay, will take place early, with the remaining three categories to be dealt with further discussion Another key area promised by the Bush Administration was with regard to clinical trials, which will be mutually beneficial. India can export its drugs to the U.S. as they would have had Food and Drug Administration clearance, and to the U.S. industry which would be saving 40 percent of the clinical research expenditure and pass on the benefits to the Americans in need of those drugs. An Indian law under which no clinical trials can be undertaken in the country unless similar trials are being conducted in a Western country should ensure that the trials are conducted in a very responsible manner. Sampson assured Sibal that the U.S. would give the fullest cooperation to India.