IIT-Kanpur and NAP Limited Signs MOU to Advance Hemp Pharmaceuticals and Bioengineering
Added: (Wed Aug 31 2022)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur has collaborated with Niche Agriculture & Pharmaceuticals Limited (NAPL) for research in the field of Hemp Cultivation & formulation of advanced medicines for treating chronic medical conditions.
New Delhi- - India’s premier research institute IIT-Kanpur ink Memorandum Of Understanding with Niche Agriculture & Pharmaceuticals Limited, a company engaged in Agricultural activities and formulation of advanced medicines to do research on cultivation of the ‘Cannabis’ and its usage in Pharma and bioengineering. This collaboration between the two parties will focus on research, development and consultancy studies in the field of mutual interest.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur and Harisharan Devgan, Chairman, Niche Group of Companies in the presence of esteemed Senior Professors, Researchers, and other faculty members.
By partnering together, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Niche Agriculture & Pharmaceuticals Limited are setting the groundwork for reorganising the indigenous cannabis plant and creating new hemp cultivars that adhere to international regulations. The development of new hemp-based treatments will help doctors address the rising rates of cancer, epilepsy, migraine, chronic pain, arthritis, and insomnia in India.
Abhay Karandikar, Director of IIT-Kanpur said “He is looking forward to this collaboration. He added that it will lay a foundation for better research and development in the Biotech Industry. Cannabis has been widely accepted in Indian culture through the ages, yet we have limited knowledge about this holy plant. Cannabis is known for its medical benefits, still, it is facing massive criticism due to its intoxicating effects”
Commenting on the MoU, Niche Agriculture & Pharmaceuticals Limited Chairman, Mr. Harisharan Devgan quoted, “This cooperation with IIT-Kanpur will strengthen our goal to toil towards the exploration of Cannabis plant for the progression of the healthcare sector. This collaboration will not only grant access to a whole new range of medicinal formulations, but it will also offer people affordable medical treatment for chronic health problems. We are focusing on improving cooperation in the field of Hemp Cultivation and Bioengineering, implementing techniques like tissue culture with IIT-Kanpur for research and development, and exchanging academic materials and publications for the formulation of hemp-based and other medicines for chronic diseases.”
Cannabis in India has been used for more than 5000 years and has also been mentioned in Atharva Veda. Still, cannabis has faced a lot of backlash due to its mind-altering effects. However, the cannabis plant is also acknowledged for its magical properties. In various cultures and traditions, the use of cannabis is common and its medical properties are also well inscribed in Ayurveda. Yet as per government regulations, cultivation of cannabis having more than 0.03% THC level is barred across the world.
Niche Agriculture & Pharmaceuticals Limited is inclined to research new medicinal formulations for helping the Indian healthcare sector to keep evolving. The MoU also focuses on the exchange of academic materials and publications and extends to formulate hemp-based and other medicines for chronic diseases.