......The CDRI has pioneered new drug discovery in India. This contribution is well reflected by the fact that out of 16 molecules discoverd/developed in India, 11 drugs have been discovered/developed by CDRI. Six new drugs developed by CDRI have been commercialised and marketed successfully viz drugs for fertility regulation (Centchroman), CVS & CNS disorders (Centbucridine, Gugulipid, Memory Plus), malaria (Arteether, Aablaquin). In addition, several new drugs are in pipeline viz. Consap, Picroliv and 80/574, herbal remedy for diabetes etc., to name a few.

CDRI's pioneering development of plant-based modern medicines and standardised herbal remedies is worthy of mention. Its first plant-based modern medicine Gugulip was derived from the resin of the plant Commiphora mukul. The medicine was marketed by CIPLA and was a good success. The Institute's first herbal remedy Memory Plus is derived from the plant Bacopa monnieri. It is comprised of the plant extract duly tested for safety and biological activity in animals' and has been standardised in terms of active materials. The drug has also undergone clinical trials in children afflicted with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) and found to improve their performance, as revealed by their ability for sentence repetition, logical memory and paired associate learning.

Some of the CDRI drugs are also being exported. Themis is marketing Arteether (E-Mal) through Sanofi Winthrop AMO to over 40 countries in Africa, Madagacar, Mauritus, Algeria, Morocco and Tuinisia. Memory Plus has been exported to Australia, UK and USA.

CDRI also played a very important role in developing process technologies for known drugs and drug intermediates. Out of over 80 process technologies licensed, 10-15 have been successfully commercialised. Three processes are currently in commercial production, viz., ephedrine hydrochloride, dextropropoxyphene ord artemether.

Artemether produced by Ipca Laboratories using CDRI technology is currently exported to Sudan, Kenya and Hong Kong. After registration of the formulation in the international and other key markets it will be exported to Ethopia, Kenya , Sudan, Myanmar, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Cameroon. The Artemether injection manufactured in India is a valuable substitution to imported product marketed by Rhone-Poulenc because it costs 3 times lesser than the MNC product. L-ephedrine produced using CDRI technology caters to the entire indigenous demand and is exported to several countries.

The Institute has served as a major centre for producing Ph.D. level trained scientists in drug research in India. Till now the Institute has provided research facilities to over 600 students leading to the award of the Ph.D. degree of different universities. Facilities for Ph.D. and post-doctoral level research have produced trained scientists which secured important positions in the national and international pharma companies/agencies requiring experienced scientists. Among the Indian pharma having CDRI trained scientists are Cadila, Ranbaxy, Lupin, Wockhardt, Nicholas Piramal and IPCA to name a few. The international pharma having CDRI's alumni are Hoechst,Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lily, CIBA, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer etc. The Institute's senior scientists have also occupied positions of Directors in several CSIR laboratories - an example of high caliber scientists with quality for leadership that this institute has produced.

Besides, the CDRI has played a key role in providing training to sponsored candidates from academia and industry in different aspects of drug research. So far several hundred persons have received hands-on training in drug research involving biological screening, quality control and standardization, handling of laboratory animals, analytical techniques, usage of sophisticated instruments etc.

The CDRI has made significant contributions to the creation of knowledgebase in drug research. This is evident from over 5600 publications in reputed international and national journals and 495 patents filed in India (401) and abroad (94).

Basic research comprises an integral part of the Institute's R&D; programme. The CDRI's contributions to basic research are in biomembrane structure and function, endocrine function, microbial immunology and genetics, biochemistry of malaria, filaria and leishmania parasites, biology of amoeba, neural and cardiovascular function, structural biology, gene/protein engineering and design and generation of novel biostructures.

On the front of linkages with the industry, the CDRI has been successful in establishing good business relationship with the pharma industry, both Indian and foreign. Support of industry is also evident from marketing of CDRI's products, commercialisation of technologies, contract research and "collaborative-cum-licensing" agreements signed with pharma industry. Among the industrial clients with whom the Institute has established business relationship are Novo Nordisk, ZymoGenetics, Unichem, Hindustan Latex, Torrent, Ranbaxy, CIPLA, Lupin, Duphar, Nicholas Piramal, Cadila, Themis, Wockhardt, IPCA and Nivaran.

In addition, several international and Indian agencies are supporting research projects in CDRI. The international agencies/industry include Walter Reed Army Institute and Uniformed Services University of Health Science, USA; European Commission; WHO etc.

Among the national agencies supporting R&D; programmes are: Department of Science and Technology, Scientific & Industrial Research, Ocean Development and Biotechnology, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Indian Council of Medical Research.