Kannur University inks drug deal with SRH Nutritions

KOZHIKODE: Kannur University's Inter University Centre for Bioscience (IUCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Baroda-based SRH Nutritions to develop and manufacture medicine for chronic diarrhoea causing due to inflammation of large intestine. The MoU will help the Centre do advance research by using the facilities of the company. University registrar Dr Balachandran Keezhoth signed the MoU with SRH Nutritions representative Dr T.G Chandra Mohan in the presence of vice-chancellor Dr M. K. Abdul Khader. According to studies, every year, 2 billion diarrhoeal cases are reported world over.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kannur University Palayad campus Director Dr A Sabu said that the MoU would help in achieving remarkable feats in the study. "We have been doing research in finding medicine for chronic diarrhea for the last many years under the guidance of Dr  M Haridas, the IUCB director.

"We have also filed two patents in related studies. However, we don't have advanced facility to check the effectiveness of the medicine for this disease which is causing due to large intestine inflammation. That's how we came to an agreement with SRH after six month-long discussions," he said.

"Our efforts also have a humanitarian aspect. Most of the people who suffer from chronic diarrhoea are from Africa and Asia. In fact, 8 lakh children under five die due to diarrhoea in India," he added. VC Mr Khader opined that the MoU is a positive example for others to follow at a time when the UGC is encouraging increased interaction between universities and industry. The profit from the sale of medicine will be shared by the varsity and company in 1:1 ratio.