Bengaluru, Nov 14: Biocon's contract research arm Syngene International on Tuesday announced it was expanding partnership with the US pharma major Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) for more research and development (R&D) of drugs.

"As part of the expansion, a new facility will be set up here for R&D operations, with more scientists and extend the partnership up to 2026," said the city-based company in a statement here.

The first Biocon BMS R&D Centre, set up in 2007 on the city's southern outskirts, is the largest such facility of BMS outside the US and an integral part of its global R&D network.

"An additional 75 Syngene scientists will work for BMS in the new facility, which will have a 25,000-square feet lab and office," the statement said.

The first research centre discovered and developed many drugs through pre-clinical trials, generating data for multiple patent filings. It also reduced time and costs of new compounds and first human studies for BMS.

"The expansion of our collaboration with BMS brings in delivering scientific solutions to address diseases globally," said Syngene Chief Executive Jonathan Hunt in the statement.

The research centre also provides integrated services supporting discovery, translational sciences and product development functions for BMS.

BMS has also been sharing its domain expertise to nurture Indian talent for the betterment of the collaboration and patients the world over.

"The partnership has not only evolved, but also exceeded our expectations in accelerating the development of our pipeline," noted BMS Head of Discovery Carl Decicco.

As the largest Indian contract research firm, Syngene provides integrated discovery and development services for novel molecules across platforms, including anti-body-drug conjugates and oligonucleotides.

With 3,100 scientists, the company has serviced 293 clients, including eight of the top 10 global pharma firms in biotechnology, nutrition, animal health, consumer goods and speciality chemicals in fiscal 2016-17.

Syngene expands research tie-up with Bristol-Myers