The partnership aims to combine pharmaceutical expertise with agricultural research to develop plant-based formulations for domestic and global markets
Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to collaborate on the development of agri-based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. The agreement was formalised as part of a broader effort to align academic research with industry needs in the healthcare sector.
The collaboration will focus on leveraging agricultural science for the development of pharmaceutical formulations. The Department of Processing and Food Engineering at the Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute (AEC&RI), TNAU, will contribute through research on sustainable, plant-derived inputs for pharmaceutical use. This initiative aims to enhance the role of agri-based ingredients in formulation development.
Akums will work alongside TNAU to integrate its expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing with the university’s capabilities in agricultural research. As part of the agreement, students and research fellows will be offered industrial training and internships to gain practical exposure in pharmaceutical formulation and processing. The partnership also includes a commercialisation component under the ICAR-sponsored CRP on SA Project, funded by the Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana.
Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, stated, “At Akums, we have always believed in the power of innovation driven by research. Partnering with TNAU enables us to leverage agricultural science to develop pharmaceutical formulations that align with global health trends. This partnership holds immense potential, of agri-science and will develop pharmaceutical formulations that are not only effective but environmentally conscious.”
TNAU will coordinate the research framework, oversee technical development, and facilitate smooth integration between university-led research and industrial objectives. The university will also organise capacity-building initiatives involving dedicated research fellows.
Arushi Jain, Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, noted, “This partnership marks a crucial step towards integrating traditional agricultural resources with modern pharmaceutical advancements. By working closely with TNAU, we aim to develop formulations that are not only effective but also sustainable and accessible. The knowledge exchange between academia and industry will drive meaningful progress in healthcare innovation.”
Dr P. Rajkumar, Dean of AEC&RI, TNAU, Kumulur, commented, “TNAU is committed to advancing research that has real-world applications. This collaboration with Akums aligns with our mission to drive research that serves society. Together, we aim to deliver real impact through innovation, capacity building, and the development of science-backed pharmaceutical products. We will aim to enhance the utility of agricultural resources in healthcare.”
The partnership reflects a growing interest in industry-academia collaborations in India. It is aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ mission and seeks to support domestic innovation in pharmaceuticals through sustainable, agriculture-based solutions.
