News

12th August, 2008

Evolva India Announces 3 Collaborations

Evolva facility recognized by the Government

Secunderabad, India, August 2008 - Evolva’s Genetic Chemistry Laboratory, has received recognition from the Government of India’s Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR).

"This accreditation is a very significant milestone in Evolva India’s existence and officially approves that our infrastructure, man-power and scientific work is ready for international collaborations." said Dr. PM Murali, Managing Director, Evolva Biotech Private Limited.

The recognition entitles Evolva to:

• Apply jointly or alone for research projects with India’s various national Science and Technology
  Departments as well as their international S&T collaborations.
• Realize substantial savings by profiting from advantageous import duties.
• Realize tax savings between 5 - 40 % (depending on transactions)

Neil Goldsmith, Managing Director and CEO of Evolva SA, Switzerland sees additional profit of the recognition: "It further embeds us into India and positions us for the next phase of development there."

Additionally, Evolva India signed agreements with:

• IICT, the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology which allows Evolva to screen a number of compounds developed by IICT and take them forward through the different stages of drug discovery.
• NEIST, the North East Institute of Science and Technology of Jorhat district in the Indian state of Assam. To collaborate on suitable commercialization of natural products from North East India.

About Evolva. Evolva uses genetic chemistry technology platforms to replicate, on an industrial basis, the ability of nature to evolve molecules with exquisite "design". Evolva employs c. 65 people at locations in Switzerland, India, USA and Denmark. Evolva expects to file IND equivalents on its two most advanced compounds in late 2008 - one for cardiovascular/metabolic disease and one for fungal diseases. For more information see www.evolva.com.

About DSIR The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is a part of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is responsible for the implementation of the Plan scheme "Technology Promotion, Development and Utilization" apart from coordinating the activities of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Public enterprises. http://dsir.nic.in/

About IICT The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology is a premier R&D Institute in India with origin in the Central Laboratories for Scientific & Industrial Research, established 1944 by the Government. IICT focuses on research in the chemical sciences leading to innovative processes for a variety of products necessary for human welfare. http://www.iictindia.org/

NEIST Established 1961 has its major thrust of R&D activities to develop technologies by utilizing the immense natural wealth of India. More than 100 technologies have been generated (40% were of commercial success). http://www.rrljorhat.res.in/