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"We talked to lots and lots of scientists who know the field in order to know what to focus on." For the time being, it makes use of its Silicon Graphics #2100 server, O2 and Octane workstations, and Accelrys software to perform bioinformatics and cheminformatics work. Co. says it can undertake many computational activities that are part of the drug development process for about one-third of what it costs in Europe or the U.S. But that's not its entire business plan. This month, it will complete construction of its wet chemical lab in Hyderabad that will offer medicinal chemistry services. And by the end of the year, it expects to also complete a preclinical development lab.
These new facilities will sharply increase Co.'s capabilities. Apart from microbiology and tissue-culture labs, the preclinical development lab will feature an animal farm where guinea pigs, rats, mice, and rabbits will be bred in accordance with international standards. This will allow the company to offer in vitro and in vivo studies in the anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer fields. Co. GVK will perform pharmacology and toxicology studies as well as pharmacokinetics. Co.'s first year of operation, even within the limited range of services it could provide, has been extremely encouraging. He notes that two important partnerships got under way. In the coming year, business volume should further increase four- to fivefold, and the company will invest up to $30 million in Hyderabad in the next three years. Eventually, Co. expects to become a biopharmaceutical company providing the full range of drug discovery and preclinical trial services and possibly co-owning intellectual property.
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