By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : October 15, 2026 8:27 am
Department of Pharmaceuticals supports NIPER Raebareli–AstraZeneca collaboration to advance India’s clinical trial ecosystem under Biopharma SHAKTI
NIPER Raebareli and AstraZeneca India have partnered to expand India's clinical trial footprint beyond metropolitan areas by building a trained workforce and inspection-ready sites across 25 emerging research hubs. Signed in New Delhi in the presence of Department of Pharmaceuticals Secretary Manoj Joshi, the MoU supports the central government’s Biopharma SHAKTI initiative to establish 1,000 nationwide clinical trial sites and boost global trial participation.
The collaboration will launch by upgrading 25 clinical trial sites through tailored training, mentorship, and enhanced safety and documentation protocols. Backed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to ensure alignment with national research priorities, AstraZeneca India will leverage its clinical expertise to design the program, engage expert faculty, and drive overall site readiness.
In his address, Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, stated, “Our country has the talent and expertise to play a larger role in global clinical trials. Strengthening clinical trials capabilities beyond major metropolitan centres will help expand the pool of skilled professionals and research-ready sites across the country. This collaboration brings together government, academia and industry to strengthen clinical research capabilities in a structured manner and directly advances key objectives of Biopharma SHAKTI.”
Dr. Shubhini Saraf, Director NIPER Raebareli, highlighted that “The Centre of Excellence will provide a dedicated platform for structured training and certification in clinical research. By combining academic and industry expertise, NIPER Raebareli will help develop a skilled workforce and create a model that can be expanded to other geographies and therapeutic areas.”
Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President and Managing Director of AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, stated that “Clinical research is central to bringing innovative medicines to patients. Our collaboration with NIPER Raebareli, with Government support, aims to strengthen India’s clinical research capabilities, expand trial participation and build a sustainable, high-quality research ecosystem.”
The initiative is designed as a scalable national model, with the potential to expand to additional geographies and therapeutic areas beyond oncology following the proof-of-concept phase.