BMS EXPANDING R&D PRESENCE IN INDIA

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) is expanding its R&D capabilities in India through separate partnerships with Biocon and Accenture.

BMS said it will "significantly increase the scope of its existing relationship" with Biocon to develop integrated capabilities in India in medicinal chemistry, biology, drug metabolism and pharmaceutical development. Under the terms of the agreement, Biocon, through its subsidiary Syngene International, will work with BMS to establish a research facility in Bangalore, India, that could ultimately house more than 400 scientists to help advance the pharma giant's discovery and early drug development processes.

In a separate multiyear agreement, BMS will expand its relationship with Accenture to include support for clinical data and document management, pharmacovigilance and scientific writing in India. Accenture will also provide maintenance and support for R&D information systems. BMS will use Accenture's existing "life science centers for excellence" in Bangalore and Chennai, India, which follow international clinical standards.