CDRI is considered to be a pioneer research organization in the field of biomedical research where all the infrastructure and expertise are available to develop a drug right from its concept to market. The very latest techniques and methodologies are employed for developing drugs, diagnostics and vaccines to combat diseases prevalent among mankind in general and Indian population in particular.

CDRI is a multidisciplinary research laboratory consisting of scientific personnel of various areas of biomedical sciences. For administrative and scientific purposes the Institute's manpower has been grouped into 17 R & D divisions and few divisions providing technical and scientific support. Two data centres and one field station located outside CDRI are providing operational support.