In a notable move that underscores the growing convergence between agricultural science and pharmaceutical innovation, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). This collaboration marks a vital step toward leveraging agri-based research for advanced, sustainable healthcare solutions.
The agreement is set to drive joint research and development efforts, particularly focusing on plant-based and environmentally conscious pharmaceutical formulations. It also underscores a broader trend in the healthcare industry—bridging academic excellence with industrial expertise to accelerate innovation.
Agricultural Science Meets Pharma R&D
This partnership will centre around the Department of Processing and Food Engineering at the Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute (AEC&RI), TNAU, which will spearhead the exploration of novel applications of agri-derived inputs for use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. By tapping into the rich biodiversity of plant-based resources, the initiative aims to contribute to the development of eco-friendly, effective formulations aligned with global healthcare and wellness trends.
“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 for agri-science and will develop pharmaceutical formulations that are not only effective but environmentally conscious.” said Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals.
Industrial Collaboration, Skill Development & Market Expansion
As part of the collaboration, Akums will integrate its formulation development and pharmaceutical processing capabilities with TNAU’s scientific research infrastructure, paving the way for both product innovation and commercial scalability. The collaboration also aligns with the ICAR-sponsored CRP on Secondary Agriculture (SA) project funded by CIPHET, Ludhiana, with a focus on commercialising agri-based pharma formulations for both domestic and international markets.
Furthermore, the initiative includes industrial training, internships, and hands-on exposure for students and researchers, enabling them to understand real-world pharmaceutical processes. Akums will actively work with AEC&RI, Kumulur, to facilitate knowledge transfer and application-focused research.
Driving Holistic Impact in Healthcare Innovation
“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.” said Arushi Jain, Director of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals.
TNAU will support this effort by coordinating multidisciplinary research, guiding technical validation of new formulations, and mentoring dedicated research fellows engaged in the project. The university’s involvement ensures the scientific rigour and real-world applicability of the collaboration’s outputs.
“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,” said Dr. P. Rajkumar, Dean of AEC&RI, TNAU, Kumulur.
Aligning with National Priorities and Global Trends
The Akums–TNAU partnership resonates strongly with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, emphasising domestic innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness in healthcare manufacturing. By embedding agricultural science into the core of pharmaceutical R&D, the collaboration is well-positioned to drive affordable, high-quality, and export-ready healthcare products.
This strategic alliance sets a benchmark for industry-academia collaboration in India, with long-term implications for plant-based pharma research, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and skill development in life sciences.
A New Era for Agri-Pharma Integration
As the healthcare industry increasingly embraces natural, sustainable, and science-backed solutions, the Akums–TNAU alliance emerges as a forward-looking model. Through shared expertise, collaborative innovation, and a commitment to real-world impact, the partnership is poised to revolutionise the way agricultural inputs contribute to pharmaceutical advancements, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future in healthcare.
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