Ranbaxy Sees Changes for R&D Program

Indian drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories has reconfigured its R&D program -- a move sparked by the departure of its top research executive.

Under the reorganization plan, Ranbaxy has split its R&D program into two sections -- one focused on drug discovery and the other on generic drug development. The company said the change would enable it to achieve "heightened focus and rigor for success."

The restructuring was announced at the same time Ranbaxy revealed that its head of R&D, Rajinder Kumar, has resigned to return to the UK. Kumar was with Ranbaxy for less than a year, having joined the company from GlaxoSmithKline last July. Ranbaxy didn't reveal any details about Kumar's departure, saying only that it "reluctantly agreed to his [resignation] request due to personal circumstances."

Vijay Batra will lead Ranbaxy's generics R&D and Kasim Mookhtiar will head the company's drug-discovery unit.