1. Scale-Up Synthetic Strategies for Short, Modified Oligoribo-nucleotide
Therapeutics (Syn-OligoRNA)

Indigenous development of oligoribonucleotide based drugs:
Oligoribonucleotide therapeutics represent a rapidly advancing frontier in personalized medicine and gene therapy. However, their widespread adoption is limited by high development costs and complex synthetic requirements.
At CSIR-NIIST, we have developed optimized and scalable laboratory protocols for the synthesis and purification of highly modified short oligoribonucleotides, enabling cost-effective indigenous production of oligoribonucleotide drug candidates.
This technology aims to:
 Reduce dependence on expensive imports
 Support affordable therapeutics for orphan and neglected diseases
 Enable Indian industries to enter global oligonucleotide drug markets
Provide platform technologies for generic oligoribonucleotide development

2.  Invisible Fluorescent Dyes and Pigments for Security Printing

The Process/product know-how for the making of invisible fluorescent dyes and pigments; Licensee: HueBright Colors Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore. Counterfeiting of currencies, documents, pharma products, and consumer goods is a global problem resulting in substantial economic losses to the nation and companies associated with it. Incorporating fluorescent markers, either through random distribution (fibers) or by printing (ink formulations), is among the most critical anti-counterfeiting measures used worldwide. These materials are currently imported at inflated costs from various countries, which is a threat to national security and results in forex depletion. In this context, the indigenous development of these materials and technologies that are difficult to duplicate is absolutely indispensable. CSIR-NIIST addressed this challenge by developing fluorescent molecules and pigments with appropriate fluorescence characteristics suitable for security printing. These products would help the existing players (public and private) reduce the expenses in terms of import cost and enable their competence in fluorescence-based security solutions.

3. Process Development of Specialty Chemicals

CSIR-NIIST is fortifying pharmaceutical self-reliance by delivering process development for a critical portfolio of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). By streamlining the synthesis of potent antivirals like Molnupiravir, EIDD-1931, and Galidesivir, alongside essential treatments for neglected diseases such as Miltefosine and Nitazoxanide, we are ensuring that life-saving medicine is more accessible and affordable. Our commitment to indigenous manufacturing excellence not only accelerates the response to emerging viral threats but also provides sustainable solutions for chronic and parasitic conditions, bridging the gap between advanced laboratory research and patient care.

Under the CSIR Agromission, CSIR-NIIST has successfully advanced India’s agricultural resilience through the completion of innovative process development for key crop protection chemicals. Recognizing that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy contributing approximately 17% to the national GDP, these efforts focus on ensuring food security and stabilizing harvest-dependent livelihoods. The mission achieved significant technical milestones by developing cost-effective, novel processes for nationally important agrochemicals, primarily by utilizing indigenous raw materials and integrating efficient one-pot synthesis methods. These advancements have optimized manufacturing by reducing the number of process steps and eliminating tedious purification stages.