Historically, Indian pharma companies found it difficult to face the challenge of innovation independently. With the signing of the Patent regime, effective since January 2005, the basic concept of conducting R&D has witnessed a paradigm shift. Companies have now entered into collaborative programmes even across borders and continents. In this scenario, FDC has focused strongly on developing New Chemical Entities (NCE) with the National Chemical Laboratory, universities and clinical laboratories. We have also outsourced Computer Aided Drug Design to reputed research partners. Through our collaborative efforts, we have successfully synthesized and patented anti-fungal compounds. We have also developed capabilities to independently carry out preliminary in vitro studies in our in-house microbiological laboratory. Along with patents for new chemical entities, we have also filed various process patents.

Furthermore, FDC is also engaged in collaborative work with renowned ophthalmologists for new uses of known compounds in ophthalmology. We have been involved in the development of novel formulations for previously unexplored uses in the treatment of various ocular inflammatory conditions.

Our R&D infrastructure includes laboratories with state-of-the-art instrumentation for organic synthetic compounds. We have also built an expertise in developing dosage forms with a range of contemporary presentations – viz., film coated pellets, sustained release and other consumer convenience related innovations.

With a state-of-the-art R&D facility for biotechnology and a well-qualified and experienced research team, FDC is poised to make its foray into the biopharmaceutical segment. This R&D department broadly comprises Genetic Engineering (for designing rDNA clones), Fermentation (for biosynthesis), Downstream processing (for purification) and Bioanalytical research (for QA and QC). Scale up (Pilot level) is underway for commercialization of a recombinant human cytokine and simultaneously work is in progress for developing its formulation. The cytokine so manufactured, purified and formulated at FDC shall comply with the international quality control norms for biologics. Once again, besides having its own world-class infrastructure for biotechnology R&D, FDC works closely with reputed institutes and universities to reinforce its commitment to offer innovative biotechnology products.

With our presence in specialized infant foods, we have a separate R&D foods department manned by Food Technologists to offer protein food supplements, specialized infant foods, and special low calorie - high protein supplements for specially restricted dietary requirements.