CCRAS Launches PRAGATI-2024 to Foster Innovation in Ayurvedic Drug Development

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, GOI, is organizing "Pharma Research in AyurGyan and Techno Innovation (PRAGATI-2024)" on May 28, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. This meeting aims to explore research opportunities and foster collaboration between CCRAS and the Ayurveda drug industry.

The event will be inaugurated by Vd. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, who will deliver a keynote speech on the role of industry in the development of Ayurveda. The program will also feature participation from Mrs. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, and Dr. Koustubha Upadhaya, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush.

Leading the interactive meeting from the CCRAS side will be Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS. He will emphasize the importance of research-based, high-quality, safe, and effective Ayurvedic products. The primary goal of the meeting is to maximize the potential of Ayurveda stakeholders in drug and device development by connecting researchers and industrial partners involved in manufacturing Ayurvedic formulations and technological innovations.

The objectives of PRAGATI-2024 include utilizing research outcomes and technologies developed by CCRAS, establishing robust networks for collaborative research in quality control, drug standardization, product development, and validation. Additionally, the meeting seeks to identify potential industrial partners with in-house R&D facilities and explore opportunities for capacity building for researchers in drug manufacturing and product development. It also aims to assist Ayurveda professionals in initiating start-ups and incubating centers, thus promoting entrepreneurship in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics.

Representatives from 35 pharmaceutical companies across the nation will attend the event, including CEOs from renowned firms such as Himalaya, Emami, Baidyanath, Dabur, IMPCL, Arya Vaidya Sala, Oushadhi, and IMPCOPS. Experts from organizations like CII, Ayush Excil, PCIMH, and NRDC are also registered to join this interactive meeting.

A comprehensive report detailing 35 formulations and three instruments developed or in progress by CCRAS, including notable products like Ayush 64, Ayush SG, and Ayush Gutti, will be presented to the participating industries for discussion and review.

The expected outcome of PRAGATI-2024 is to identify potential industrial partners willing to collaborate with CCRAS, exchange scientific knowledge, and utilize research outcomes and products in Ayurvedic drug development.

This initiative aims to enhance networking and institutional linkages, ultimately benefiting Ayurvedic clinicians and patients through improved products and innovative solutions in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics.