Romania to research, develop new drugs with Indian pharma companies

AHMEDABAD: A Romanian delegation, led by their Health Minister Nicolae Banicioiu, today said that the European country will tie up with Indian pharmaceutical companies to research and develop new drugs.

" Romania will collaborate with India for license acquisition to sell drugs in Europe. We will tie up with the Indian companies and Romanian drug agency will inspect India's pharma companies (for the same).

"The procedure (for license acquisition) should be made fast for the benefit of both the countries," Counsellor in Ministry of Health in Romania, Mario Cretu told reporters here today.

Cretu was interacting with media here at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI).

Romanian Health Minister Nicolae Banicioiu, along with the members of his delegation, also conducted a meeting with GCCI office-bearers on the future plans of pharma industry in India.

Cretu said Romania's state-owned drug agency 'Antibiotice Iasi' will collaborate with Aurobindo Pharma to develop anti-viral medicines; Macleods Pharma for tuberculosis and Cipla for cancer medicine.

The value of bilateral trade between Indian and Romania is estimated at USD 3 million in pharma sector, which will be increased in near future, Cretu added.