Guwahati: The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Guwahati has established a state-of-the-art facility for breeding Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animals, a critical step towards advancing drug discovery and research. This facility aims to eliminate external biological variables in research, ensuring that studies conducted on these animals yield accurate, reliable, and reproducible results.
SPF animals provide a controlled environment for studying diseases and testing new drugs, as their pathogen-free status removes potential interference from infections. This leads to more precise testing for drug efficacy and safety, which is crucial for developing novel therapeutics.
“Earlier, we used to source animals from outside, which could have pathogens and added to expenses,” a NIPER official said. “By breeding SPF animals locally, we not only ensure pathogen-free environments for experiments but also reduce costs and enhance self-reliance in pharmaceutical research.”
The new Central Animal and In Vitro Drug Testing Facilities will significantly enhance NIPER’s research capacity in pharmaceutical sciences. The official also noted that by supplying SPF animals to institutions such as IIT Guwahati and AIIMS Guwahati, research collaborations and innovations across academia and industry sectors will be accelerated.
“This initiative aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, promoting self-reliance in critical sectors like healthcare and drug development. It supports the advancement of pharmaceuticals in the region while reducing dependence on external resources,” the official added.
The facility will also boost NIPER’s credibility in research, foster collaborations with industry and academia, and support the development of novel therapeutics, particularly from the rich biodiversity of Northeast India. “Integrating traditional and modern practices paves the way for innovative healthcare solutions while preserving cultural heritage,” the official said.
Collaboration with healers
NIPER Guwahati is also working to promote and train local farmers and traditional healers to cultivate medicinal plants with therapeutic potential. The collaboration between traditional healers and NIPER presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and modern scientific validation.
“NIPER Guwahati aims to leverage the extensive knowledge of local traditional healer formulations by applying rigorous scientific methods according to regulatory guidelines,” the official said. “This collaboration facilitates knowledge transfer and ensures that traditional medicinal products are validated scientifically.”
Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, who inaugurated the facility, emphasized the ethical treatment of animals and the responsibility of researchers to ensure humane practices. The Central Animal Facility at NIPER Guwahati is constructed in accordance with the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) guidelines and complies with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) provisions.
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