Hyderabad: A five-day intensive course on pre-clinical toxicology and risk assessment was recently held at the University of Hyderabad’s School of Life Sciences.
The programme aimed to address the growing demand for toxicological expertise in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors by providing focused training on key aspects of safety and risk evaluation.
The course was inaugurated by Dr Taru Sharma, director of the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), with contributions from academic leaders such as Prof. Prakash Babu and Prof. Anil Kumar. In his concluding remarks, Dr Mukesh Kumar Gupta, director of the National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research (NARFBR), stressed the importance of advancing toxicological research to strengthen India’s biomedical capabilities.
Organised in collaboration with the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) and ASPIRE, the course featured experts from institutions like Vimta Labs and NARFBR, alongside industry representatives. It covered a range of topics, including pharmaceutical safety, pesticide toxicology, and medical device testing.
Participants also visited research and development facilities, gaining practical exposure to toxicological practices. These site visits were designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. The programme is seen as a step towards enhancing India’s ability to address complex safety and risk challenges in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
