Indian Pharma Companies top the Global Pecking Order

At present, domestic companies are marketing their products only in emerging markets, but the largest and most lucrative market for all pharmaceuticals — the US — is the next stop.

India's first Biopharma Hub-Telangana

Telangana government proposes to set up India’s first Biopharma-Hub

Pharmaceutical Products to have good distribution practices

The government to bring in legislations and penalise the offenders

Indian Pharma colabs with WHO

Indian government in collaboration with WHO steps up surveillance to ensure safety of vaccines

8,000 new & effective antibiotic combinations

We shouldn't limit ourselves to just single drugs or two-drug combinations in our medical toolbox

A new way to deliver drugs to the brainstem

A study at Washington University in St. Louis has shown a new way to deliver drugs to the brainstem in a non-invasive administration

India aims at achieving Universal Health coverage

India has accelerated many initiatives to achieve universal health coverage: J P Nadda

Harvard introduces new research areas

The Harvard Data Science Initiative (HDSI) will focus its second on five research themes designed to foster opportunities

NIPS organizes National Workshop in Andhra Pradesh

Narasaraopeta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences organizes a two-day national workshop on Pharmacovigilance Clinical Pharmacy Services

National Seminar of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission of the ministry of health and family welfare, has highlighted the importance of health information resources for pharmaceutical drug research and management.

Akynzeo in India

Glenmark launches Akynzeo in India under licensing pact with Helsinn

FY 2019 to be a Profit Year for Pharma Sector

Pharma sector to grow fastest since 2014; FY19 profit set to jump 20-22%

Making clinical research patient-centric

Medidata has announced the launch of the Patient Burden Index (PBI) on the Medidata Cloud, the Intelligent Platform for Life Sciences.

Maharashtra FDA to help blood banks

Maharashtra FDA to help blood banks across state to adopt good haemovigilance practices for safe blood

National Health Protection Scheme

Union government’s recently announced National Health Protection Scheme could possibly be the first major step towards universal health coverage.

New online programmes by Morehouse School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM),has introduced online programmes for students who can earn degrees or a certificate remotely, all now available online.

In coming 25 years, India might be amongst 3 largest economies

India may become one of the three largest economies of the world in the next 25 years as the country has demonstrated its capacity to grow even during times of adversity.

J&J joins with Government of Maharashtra

J&J India joins forces with govt of Maharashtra to boost public health in the state

Joint research by India and Germany

India and Germany to begin joint research in the area of 'Bioinformatics in Health Research'

Pro-active approach to boost Pharma Sector

The government has shown willingness to collaborate with the industry to create a favourable ecosystem for the sector.

Smart Farming

This startup has a new irrigation method - one that uses just an app.

Toyota's global electric vehicle launch-India among first markets

The company said it aims to sell more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles, including more than 1 million zero- emission vehicles.

Help the Poor Foundation-Ketto raise funds for the underprivileged

Help the Poor Foundation announces association with Ketto to raise funds for organs' transplant for underprivileged

'Mega-scale regional market' by India-China

China and India can create a "mega- scale regional market" to tap the huge demand of over 2.5 billion people living in both the countries.

'Women in Pharma'

The 2nd edition of the India Pharma Week, a UBM India initiative -- introduced last year to celebrate a decade of CPhI & P-MEC, UBM’s flagship engagement platform, and the world’s leading Pharmaceutical networking event -- witnessed one of its most inspiring and scintillating initiatives, ‘Women in Pharma: Aspire, Lead, Inspire’.

India is giving Ayurveda a big boost

Highlighting the potential of Ayurveda, India has showcased its culture, business and cuisine techniques to South African business leaders here, with an aim to increase bilateral trade.

Pune to emerge as an incubation centre for India

If Bengaluru has already emerged as the technology hub for the country, Pune with its favourable weather conditions and rich technology resources could be playing catch up provided the infrastructure issues plaguing the western city get addressed soon.

5 New Hospitals to be set upp in Inida-Aster DM Healthcare

Kochi's Aster DM Healthcare, promoted by Dubai-based Indian healthcare billionaire Dr Azad Moopen, is planning a massive expansion to emerge as one of leading healthcare providers in India.

RPG Group invests in e-pharmacy

RPG Group invests in Rs 4 crore in e-pharmacy MedsOnWay

Technology and the disabled

About a billion people in the world are disabled in some way, but technology is helping them contribute more.

CRISIL projects 15% revenue growth for Indian Hospital segment till 2020

CRISIL is a global analytical company providing ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory services.CRISIL Ratings is India's leading rating agency.

BIOCAD plans to enter European market

The largest Russian biotechnology company BIOCAD plans to enter the European market with oncological and autoimmune medicines.

Over $2660 billion growth in Asian healthcare market by 2020

The Asian healthcare market is expected to grow from $1835 billion in 2016 to over $2660 billion by 2020.

GST rate cut on Siddha medicines

CTMR welcomes GST rate cut on Siddha medicines, says it will boost Siddha sector & plant cultivation.

2nd Indian Cancer Congress 2017-Bengaluru

The second chapter of Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) 2017 will be held from 8th to 12th November 2017 at the Clarks Convention Centre in Bengaluru.

Blood Donation App

The app wants to solve hurdles that a person in need of blood faces when finding a suitable donor, and reduces the distance between them.

India & Afghanistan- Mega trade & Investment show in Delhi

CEOs of major Indian companies will attend as well and thematic panel sessions on relevant topics will be held throughout the event.

Efficient way to clean up marine oil spills-IISER scientists

The scientists at IISER built a mechanism to clean up events such as those at Chennai's Ennore Creek earlier this year

Free eye screening camp for school students

Sankara Eye Hospital & Infosys hold free eye screening camp for 12,000 govt school students.

Success Mantra by Vikram Limaye

The NSE CEO appreciates the ambition among Indian youngsters, but feels they should map out their careers.

India to be an Electric Vehicle Nation

It’s been touted as the LED moment of transport — the vision of an all-electric passenger car market in India by 2030, greening of the system being the link.

Electric Cars in India

Auto companies like Hyundai, Tata Motors, advance plans to make electric cars in India

Launch of IRNSS-1H

Launch of IRNSS-1H to start the era of private sector role in satellite building in India

Facility Inspection drive by USFDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a cdocument to address the integration of pharmaceutical facility evaluations and inspections.

Rise in Indian Pharma exports to USA

IPI registered revenue of around USD 33 billion in 2016. Exports form a major part of the industry's turnover and over 50 per cent of the sales comes from exports.

Metropolis to invest Rs.100 crore

Metropolis Healthcare, a global chain of pathology labs and diagnostic centres, has announced its plan to invest Rs.100 crore to open 20 laboratories and add 1,000 collection centres pan India.

Pharma formulation lab in Navi Mumbai by BASF

BASF has set up a pharmaceutical technical laboratory in Navi Mumbai, India citing Asia's fast growing generic drug manufacturing sector as its target customer base.

GST brings down the prices for Diabetes and Cancer medicines

GST impact: Medicines for diabetes, cancer to get cheaper under new tax system

Power your smartphone just by moving

Scientists have developed an ultra-thin device, based on battery technology and made from layers of black phosphorus that are only a few atoms thick, that can power your smartphone, fitness tracker and other gadgets using human movements such as walking and waving.

Heading to St Petersburg-Indian Pharma Team

Responding to Russia’s call for collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, India is planning to turn an exhibition for domestic drug producers in St Petersburg in September into a hunting ground for companies interested in joint ventures to tap the vast Russian market.

Generic Vidaza to be launched by Natco

Natco Pharma Limited on Tuesday said it got the final approval of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the generic version of Vidaza (Azacitidine for Injection, 100mg per Vial), single-Dose Vial.

$10 billion for Development Projects in India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today committed USD 10 billion support for infrastructure building and immediate development needs of less-developed states in the country.

Scietists find new method to fight Malaria

Scientists have discovered a new way to slow down malaria infections, providing a possible new target for antimalarial drugs. The team are already working with pharmaceutical companies to use this knowledge to develop new antimalarials -- an important step in the battle against drug resistant malaria.

'one campus one approval' policy by PCI

The pharmacy colleges in the country will no longer need to apply for different educational programmes separately, as the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is coming out with 'one campus one approval' policy with the benefit of getting one approval for all the programmes in a particular college.

In the next 6 months, 1000 people to be hired in Benguluru by Omega Healthcare

Omega Healthcare Management Services, a leading technology-driven outsourcing services provider is going to hire 1,000 people in the next 6 months in Bengaluru.

Pharmac South 2017 to be inaugurated by Dr J Radhakrishnan

Pharmac South 2017, the third edition of the south Indian trade show will be held from July 7 to 8 at Chennai Trade Centre.The event will be inaugurated by Dr J Radhakrishnan, Principal Secretary, department of health, government of Tamil Nadu.

NIPER ties up with J&J

NIPER Ahmedabad ties up with J&J to integrate industry practices in medical devices curriculum

New technical services labs in Delhi by Colorcon

Colorcon Inc. announces the opening of a new technical service laboratory and conference facility in Noida, Delhi

Cancer Treatment-Researchers develop new Test

UK-based scientists have developed a new three-in-one blood test able to identify the patients with advanced prostate cancer most likely to benefit from PARP inhibitors, with the potential to ‘transform’ treatment of the disease.

Health ministry appoints agency

Health ministry has appointed agency and awarded it the contract to procure equipment for setting up mini drug testing labs at JNPT, Nhava Sheva and Mumbai Airport to enhance capability for detecting spurious medicines exported from and imported into the country.

New data by AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca presents new data underpinning safety profile and real-world CV outcomes of Farxiga at ADA 2017

Qiagen receives U.S. FDA approval

Qiagen has announced it has received premarket approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cytomegalovirus testing on automated QIAsymphony platform

Cipla gets favourable ruling from DoP

The Indian pharmaceutical major Cipla Ltd has has received favourable ruling from the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) on its three formulations

Mixed response to GST rate

The much-awaited GST rate approved by the GST Council to pave the way for implementation of the new tax regime has invoked mixed response from pharmaceutical industry and trade body.

Dr Reddy's Labs receives US FDA approval

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to launch doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection,or intravenous use, in the United States market.

Skin Bank to be launched by Masina Hospital, Mumbai

Mumbai based Masina Hospital has announced that it will soon launch a Skin Bank which will give relatives of burn victims an opportunity to donate skin along with eyes.

GE partners with USAID for India's Healthcare needs

GE Healthcare and the USAID-supported project ‘PAHAL’ (Partnerships for Affordable Health Access & Longevity) announced today their strategic partnership to address the healthcare needs of underserved communities in India.

Telangana-‘Bulk drug manufacturing hub of India'

The Telangana state government is pulling up all the stops to strengthen its bulk drug manufacturing tag and wants to maintain its pioneer status as India’s leading bulk drug manufacturing hub.

Amgen launches online media resource

Amgen announced the launch of Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) Onpro NARRATIVES, an online media resource about the value of a cancer care team that provides comprehensive support for patients receiving strong chemotherapy.

Allergan collaborates with Novartis

Allergan, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has entered into a clinical trial agreement with Novartis to conduct a phase 2b study, using Allergan's cenicriviroc (CVC) and Novartis' lead FXR agonist for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Phagelux collaborates with Johnson & Johnson

Phagelux collaborates with Johnson & Johnson Innovation to develop skin care products

Survey brings FMCG as the highest paying industry

Pharma and healthcare, offering an average annual CTC of Rs. 8.8 lakh, and telecom (at Rs. 8.7 lakh) take the fourth and fifth position in the list as India's most lucrative industries, the study noted.

Cipla bets on respiratory, oncology and HIV segments in Brazil and China

It is well known in the pharmaceutical industry globally that outside the US and Europe (and India, off course), the best markets for generics business are Brazil, China, Mexico, Turkey and Japan.

Cipla receives final approval for generic Epzicom tablets

Cipla Ltd, a global pharmaceutical company, has received final approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Abacavir and Lamivudine tablets USP, 600 mg/300 mg, from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

India & Netherlands to begin a Research

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)/the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) will soon jointly begin research on 'Technology for a sustainable healthcare: Minimally invasive techniques'.

Abbott to make India hub of global research and development for branded generics

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared AstraZeneca’s Qtern (dapagliflozin and saxagliptin), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. This new combination agent is to be used alongside diet and exercise in those without adequate blood sugar control with dapagliflozin or who are already treated with dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and saxagliptin (Onglyza). FDA approved Qtern based on data from a trial looking at efficacy and safety of saxagliptin added to dapagliflozin in patients with inadequate control on metformin. Read More

Alembic Pharma's partner launches drug for depressive disorder

Drug firm Alembic PharmaceuticalsBSE 0.88 % today said its partner Breckenridge Pharma has launched desvenlafaxine succinate extended release tablets used in treatment of major depressive disorder. ........................................... 

Boehringer signs COPD research deal with Weill

Boehringer Ingelheim and Weill Cornell Medicine are working together to identify novel treatment approaches that could halt or even reverse lung tissue damage in coronary obstructive pulmonary disorder ........................................... 

Project Nanhi Kali at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, 2017

Project Nanhi Kali (PNK) once again had a great turn out at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon held on Sunday, Jan 15, 2017........................................... 

Pharm-Olam nabs PE investment amid 'market void' for mid-tier CROs

Pharm-Olam has secured an investment from Quad-C Management as the private equity firm eyes add-on acquisitions to complement organic growth.................................... 

US FDA accepts Intarcia's NDA for ITCA 650 to treat type 2 diabetes

International + Font Resize - US FDA accepts Intarcia's NDA for ITCA 650 to treat type 2 diabetes Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, February 07, 2017, 17:00 Hrs [IST] Intarcia Therapeutics has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for active review its New Drug Application (NDA) for ITCA 650, an investigational therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Intarcia looks forward to working closely with the FDA through the review process................................... 

Almac launches temperature management software

Almac Group has launched a GDP-compliant web-based platform, TempEZ, to provide customers with a single database to store temperature data from the manufacturing stage to patient administration.................................. 

GMP-status 'a major step' for medical marijuana recognition, Bedrocan

The GMP certification of a Dutch cannabis production facility is a “major step” in bringing medicinal marijuana to the level of evidence based medicines, says Bedrocan................................. 

Trump names chair of vaccine commission to examine 'scientific integrity';

President-elect Donald Trump has asked noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to chair a commission to investigate vaccine safety................................ 

Bayer's regorafenib receives US FDA Priority Review status for second-line treatment of liver cancer;

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review designation to Bayer's supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for regorafenib for the second-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in the US............................... 

Indian pharma industry facing growth headwinds;

Indian pharmaceutical industry will grow at a slower pace due to sluggish growth in the US market, increased competition leading to price erosion in high single digits and generic adoption reaching saturation levels, rating agency ICRA said today.......................... 

Parker Institute, Cancer Research Institute team up on neoantigen-based cancer vaccines;

Researchers at 30 prestigious groups are coming together under a collaboration between the legacy Cancer Research Institute and tech billionaire Sean Parker’s new Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Their goal? To advance development of personalized cancer vaccines based on neoantigens......................... 

Greater efforts are needed to encourage patients to report adverse drug reactions;

In a review of published studies addressing patients' perceptions and factors influencing their reporting of adverse drug reactions, most patients were not aware of reporting systems and others were confused about reporting........................ 

Lupin launches Amabelz tablets in US market;

The company's product is indicated in a woman with a uterus for treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis....................... 

FDA to crack whip on pharma companies;

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nashik has decided to go tough on pharmaceutical companies....................... 

Eisai kicks off mid-stage study of sleep drug;

ISWRD is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterised by an irregular sleep-wake pattern, with patients experiencing multiple naps during the daytime but then fragmented and shortened sleep during the night....................... 

Using the freshest blood for transfusions does not appear to boost patient survival, a new Canadian study indicates.;

Old Blood as Good as New for Transfusions, Study Finds...................... 

FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Lartruvo (olaratumab) for Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma;

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today granted accelerated approval to Lartruvo (olaratumab) with doxorubicin to treat adults with certain types of soft tissue sarcoma (STS)...................... 

Chinese API makers look to move up the value chain;

China’s pharma industry is best known for being the low-cost generic API producer to the world. But companies there, large and small, are looking for ways to move up the value chain, including doing deals targeted at the U.S. market................... 

Sanofi grabs $43M in U.S. government funds to advance Zika vaccine into Phase II;

Just months after signing on with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research to develop a Zika vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur won a $43 million vote of confidence from the U.S. government’s BARDA to advance the work.................. 

Power Grid, Pidilite, Bharat Financial, Aurobindo Pharma.;

The stock has given a fresh breakout on daily, weekly and monthly chart as managed to hit its record life time high levels................. 

Now, a paper-based device can spot poor-quality medicines;

Scientists have developed a simple, inexpensive paper-based device which can identify poor-quality or degraded medications within minutes................. 

HarlePhil Ventures to market Biocept's liquid biopsy tests in Philippines;

Biocept, Inc, a molecular diagnostics company commercializing and developing blood-based liquid biopsies to provide information to physicians to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, announced a preferred provider agreement with HarlePhil Ventures, Inc.,.............. 

Cipla appoints Kedar Upadhye as global CFO;

Cipla Ltd, a global pharmaceutical company, has announced the appointment of Kedar Upadhye as the global chief financial officer of the company effective August 1, 2016.............. 

FMC elects current director as new vice president >

PHILADELPHIA, US: FMC Corporation (FMC) said that it has elected Amy O'Shea, recently appointed as business director for North America Crop for FMC Agricultural Solutions as its vice president of FMC.............. 

GlobalData expects IPF market to more than treble to $3.2bn by 2025 >

Research and consulting firm GlobalData expects that the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) market will increase to $3.2bn by 2025 from just more than $900m in 2015............. 

Merck, a leading science and technology company, announced today that the company has entered into an agreement with HAPPYneuron, >

Boehringer Ingelheim increases access to the medication for the treatment of HIV/AIDS............ 

Jubilant Life Sciences has received Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for Rizatriptan Benzoate Orally Disintegrating Tablets, 5 mg and 10 mg, the generic version of Maxalt-MLT Orally Disintegrating, 5 mg and 10 mg Tablets (of Merck), which is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine in adults and in pediatric patients;

Boehringer Ingelheim is announcing an expansion of its Intellectual Property (IP) enforcement policy. The IP enforcement policy had already been amended in 2007 by an easy-to-use, non-assert declaration for Viramune® (nevirapine)............ 

Jubilant Life Sciences has received Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for Rizatriptan Benzoate Orally Disintegrating Tablets, 5 mg and 10 mg, the generic version of Maxalt-MLT Orally Disintegrating, 5 mg and 10 mg Tablets (of Merck), which is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine in adults and in pediatric patients;

Boehringer Ingelheim is announcing an expansion of its Intellectual Property (IP) enforcement policy. The IP enforcement policy had already been amended in 2007 by an easy-to-use, non-assert declaration for Viramune® (nevirapine)............ 

Keytruda, developed by Schering Plough / Merck and Co, and Opdivo, developed by Ono / Bristol-Myers Squibb, are estimated to account for 50% of the global immuno-oncology market by 2024, estimates a report from GlobalData......... 

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has agreed to acquire Bristol-Myers Squibb's (BMS) pipeline of research and development (R&D) HIV assetsfor about $1.5bn;

Teva wins approval for COPAXONE to prevent relapse of multiple sclerosis............ 

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved Teva Pharmaceutical Industries' once-daily COPAXONE (glatiramer acetate injection) 20mg injection for the prevention of relapse of multiple sclerosis;

rs Squibb's HIV assets............ 

Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Daklinza (daclatasvir) in England and Wales for the treatment of adult patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection;

Jubilant Life Sciences wins ANDA approval for Rizatriptan Benzoate OD Tablets............ 

Jubilant Life Sciences has received Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for Rizatriptan Benzoate Orally Disintegrating Tablets, 5 mg and 10 mg, the generic version of Maxalt-MLT Orally Disintegrating, 5 mg and 10 mg Tablets (of Merck), which is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine in adults and in pediatric patients;

FDA approves Merrimack’s metastatic pancreatic cancer drug............ 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Merrimack Pharmaceuticals’ metastatic pancreatic cancer drug, Onivyde;

UK launches largest trial to assess whether aspirin can fight cancer............ 

The world's largest clinical trial to see whether taking a daily dose of aspirin can stop cancer from recurring has been launched in the UK;

Pfizer-Allergan megamerger report prompts speculation about fallout for CROs............ 

Reports Pfizer is considering buying Allergan to create a company worth $330bn have once again raised fears of disruption for contract research organisations (CRO), although there are reasons to think the deal would be less troublesome than earlier megamergers;

Hanson, Shimadzu combine technologies to create an automated testing system............ 

Hanson Research and Shimadzu have teamed up to combine their respective technologies into an automated online pharmaceutical testing system;

hVIVO invests in PrEP Biopharm............ 

hVIVO has made an investment in the UK-based start-up, PrEP Biopharm, to further develop new prophylactic treatment for respiratory infections;

Tara Immuno-Oncology acquires licenses to develop clinical stage p53MVA oncology vaccine............ 

Tara Immuno-Oncology has acquired licenses from City of Hope for the development of p53MVA (modified vaccinia ankara) and a Salmonella-based therapy targeting Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (shIDO-ST), both for multiple oncology indication;

p>FDA approves Gilead Sciences' Genvoya HIV drug............ 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Gilead Sciences' Genvoya HIV drug to treat patients aged 12 and above;

LEO Pharma to buy Astellas Pharma's global dermatology portfolio............ 

LEO Pharma has agreed to acquire Astellas Pharma's global dermatology business for €675m;

Emerson, GE Healthcare partner to increase biopharma manufacturing efficiency............ 

Emerson Process Management has partnered with GE Healthcare’s Life Sciences business to increase productivity and improve efficiency in the production of biopharmaceuticals;

AstraZeneca agrees to sell US rights for Entocort drug to Perrigo............ 

AstraZeneca has agreed to sell the US rights for its gastrointestinal drug Entocort to Perrigo for $380m;

Acquired Sigma-Aldrich businesses part of Merck's Africa growth plan............ 

New acquisition Sigma Aldrich will play a part in African growth plans in addition to giving it a presence in the preclinical services sector says Merck;