| The Himalaya Drug Company has inked a pact with the RAK Medical Health & Science University (RAKMHSU) for collaborative research and clinical trials of herbal medicines in the areas of kidney stones, urinary tract infections and obesity. The first clinical trial is expected to commence in Q1 2008.
The memorandum of understanding will act as a framework for joint research and publications, student exchanges programs and clinical trials and continued professional developmental programmes.
Within the Ras al Khaimah region and across the Gulf territory, there is a plethora of potent plant life. "Ideally, our working together will discover ingredients that will form future products based upon nature that will improve the quality of life for many in UAE, stated Dr S. Gurumadhya Rao, vice chancellor, RAKMHSU.
Mutually agreed programmes and activities will utilize the expertise and resources of both institutions and facilitate programmes of mutual interest across the diverse disciplines in this field. As per the agreement, in the event of a new discovery, Himalaya will have exclusive access to this research. Financial arrangements will be worked out accordingly.
RAKMHSU has received accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), under the Ministry of Higher Education in the UAE. It has state-of-the-art facilities and is attached to two large hospitals. The University also has access to vast academic resources through international tie-ups and alliances in medicine, science and research.
Initially Himalaya intends to conduct clinical trials with its pharmaceutical formulations. In the second phase, it plans to carry out research on several herbs and plant material available locally in UAE.
The Himalaya- RAKMHSU partnership will also focus on research in identifying plants in the UAE and researching their therapeutic activity. Further, it will also ascertain major health concerns within the local populations and develop herbal treatment options for the same skewed towards drug discovery and include conduct of clinical trials.
"Our clinical research in the Middle East is aimed at reinforcing the therapeutic efficacy of Himalaya formulations. By conducting clinical trials in the region, we will reinforce the credibility of our products among the medical fraternity," Dr SK Mitra, executive director - Research & Development, Himalaya Global Holdings Ltd., told Pharmabiz.
While the collaboration with RAKMHSU is still in the nascent stage, the company is in discussion with several other universities. The key reason for such global tie-ups is to broaden its research capabilities, bring in fresh insights into drug development and create a platform for knowledge sharing, informed Dr Mitra.
Future focus areas for Himalaya through tie-ups will cover herbal therapeutics and drugs for lifestyle disorders, molecular research on plants and herbs apart from treatments for diseases like cancer and hepatitis. "Such initiatives will help to bolster Himalaya's business, augment its research strength and make its product base grow," added Dr Mitra.
Himalaya recently filed applications for 18 global patents, with two already granted. It is presently engaged in advanced research to develop products that are considered 'next generation' in terms of herbal medicine. The company employs over 100 medical doctors at its research and development facility in Bangalore. |
