Pfizer has set up a global drug development centre at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Research Park in Chenna. The centre’s capabilities will include the development of both, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms (FDFs) of differentiated products. The centre will develop and support products in global markets and Pfizer’s manufacturing centres worldwide.

The company has invested $20 million in the 61,000 sq ft research and technology centre at the IIT Madras Research Park. While this centre will be a part of a network of 12 global centres set up worldwide, it is the first and only one at present being set up by Pfizer in Asia. 

This facility employs 250+ scientists and professionals from a range of scientific disciplines including Formulation Scientists and Pharmacists, Analytical Scientists with expertise in process, analytical and formulation medicinal sciences, Life Science specialists such as Microbiologists and Biotechnologists, Chemical Engineers, Data Scientists, and Program Managers.

The centre integrates two essential functions under the export-oriented undertaking of Pfizer: Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmSci) and Global Technology and Engineering (GT&E) Center of Excellence. PharmSci is dedicated to the development of anti-infectives, oncolytics, sterile injectables, anaesthesia products, CNS products, and uniquely differentiated hospital products. GT&E pioneers next-generation API process and manufacturing technology to supply medicines to patients around the globe.