Sanofi India (SIL), the leading pharmaceutical companies of the world, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NIPER Kolkata, an autonomous body set up under the aegis of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, to promote academic excellence and research in the areas of pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare products, to cater to the current and future needs of the Pharmaceutical industry.

Through this initiative, Sanofi India will participate in revision or formulation of curriculum for a Post-Graduate (M.S.)/Ph.D. rogramme; provide opportunities of internship or project work to NIPER Kolkata M.S./Ph.D. students at manufacturing sites; ensure association of R&D heads with the dissertation work of NIPER Students; provide career growth opportunities; and undertake collaborative research activities in identified areas.

"The era of Academia-Industry collaboration to address the mammoth task of capacity building to meet our healthcare challenges has well and truly begun. Only a well-equipped and trained workforce can face future challenges and cater to the vast healthcare needs of the nation. We are proud to associate with NIPER Kolkata in this collaborative exercise to hone the students' skill-sets, and empower them for future, based on our practical knowledge and research experience,"said Dr. Shailesh Ayyangar, managing director, Sanofi India.

Shares of the company gained Rs 12.9, or 0.31%, to trade at Rs 4,176.00. The total volume of shares traded was 1,893 at the BSE (1.15 p.m., Thursday).