Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is a deemed university that is globally recognised, is home to 28,000+ students from 57 countries and is supported by 2,500+ faculty members. MAHE expands its horizons with campuses across India, Dubai, and Malaysia, offering world-class education in Health Sciences, Engineering, Management and Humanities, with hands-on experience and training to its students.
MAHE: DBR (Department of Biotherapeutics) recognized as a “Centre of Research”
Under MAHE, Department of Biotherapeutics Research (DBR) is recognized as a ‘Centre for Research’ , a centre for cutting-edge research and industry- ready training in the field of Biotherapeutics. Established in the year 2021, DBR has grown in accordance to the global demand for Biotherapeutics, a rapidly growing area in healthcare, setting the institute as India’s only dedicated research program.
The field of Biotherapeutics includes the area of study and research of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, cell and gene therapies, vaccines, regenerative medicine, and other therapeutic platforms.
The institute has progressed in the field of Biotherapeutics, staying true to its mission of building “Innovative Biotherapeutic Products and Process Development with India’s First and Global Next Approach” with a rapid growth rate in the span of 4 years.
India’s First Specialised M.Sc (Research) in Biotherapeutics at MCBR
The M.Sc. (Research) in Biotherapeutics is the centre’s flagship program and is recognised as the first master’s program offered across Asia in Biotherapeutics. The program seamlessly blends academic coursework with research work and industry relevance, aligning with MAHE’s overall global vision.
The first academic year is divided into intensive coursework and research centric projects while the second year is dedicated to an industrial internship in leading research institutions or biopharma companies.
The students begin to gain hands-on experience in research early on, with mentorship from faculty in highly advanced research environments and practical exposure through internships in the healthcare sector through this uniquely tailored program.
The PhD program offered at the institute offers scholars the opportunity to conduct research in areas of cell & cell-free therapy, molecular signal transduction, biomaterials & 3D bioprinting, brain aging & neurotherapeutics, and nanomedicine and biomaterials. This model of curriculum ensures development of technical skills in students that are required for industry and research environments.
MAHE’s Innovation Centre, Facilites & Infrastructure
The state-of-the-art facilities of the institute support the intensive research in biotherapeutics, regenerative medicine, and translational science. The centre is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure which include Bio-LC & AKTA Protein Purification systems, 3D Bioprinters, mammalian cell culture facility used for stem cell and cellular research, gene/protein expression analysis facility, computational biology facility, providing vast learning opportunities for students.
Checkout: MAHE MET Admission 2026
The access to shared animal research facility and MAHE’s innovation centre and incubation facilities, further enhance the research experience of students and help them explore study areas such as tissue regeneration, stem cell therapy, cancer biology, and cell-free therapeutics.
Along with the world-class infrastructure, the students have access to institutional resources, which include one of Asia’s largest libraries, sports facilities in Marena Sports Complex, and healthcare facilities offered at Manipal hospitals.
MAHE: Career & Growth
DBR graduates typically pursue careers at the intersection of biology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences. Since the institute offers a research-oriented curriculum, it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, cell and cell free therapy, 3D bioprinting, nanoformulation, protein engineering, immunology, and drug development, especially focused on biologic therapies.
Those candidates who wish to pursue a career outside research often branch out into functions in the pharmaceutical industry, in biotechnology companies, or with the government. Graduates have secured jobs in companies that include Suma Genomics, Manipal, Eyestem Research, Bengaluru, ThermoFisher Scientific Ltd, Bengaluru and many more.
PhD opportunities have been secured by the several graduates in institutions that include University of Bonn, Germany, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany, University of Essen, Germany and many other national and international institutions. After obtaining a Ph.D. degree, students can continue as a postdoctoral fellow and subsequently, via a tenure track position at the university, develop further to the teaching in the field as a professor.
Transformative Role of MAHE
The institute has established an effective environment with a blend of innovation and entrepreneurship, providing immense support to ventures led by students and faculty in MAHE’s incubation centre, Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI) in only four years.
With research funding worth ₹5.88 crore, the centre has collaborations with over 20 industrial partners including 5 on-campus companies, produced over 75 publications and filed 27 patents, gaining recognition at national and international conferences.
In addition to its diverse research-oriented curriculum, the student life goes beyond the laboratory with the centre’s co-curricular opportunities such as expert lectures, hands-on workshops, club activities, and many more. Students engage in the institutional volunteer and leadership initiatives, further strengthening their communication and organizational skills.
MAHE: Aims & Global Rankings
The institute aims to expand its positioning in global rankings and strengthen its industry collaborations with future goals in sight. While aligning the academic framework with rising healthcare issues, the centre aims to train a new generation of innovators and researchers who can transform drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic development.
With the overall vision of the institute in focus, DBR transcends its identity as the Centre of Research, serving as a curator of healthcare professionals, whose excellence will evolve the landscape of Biotherapeutics within India and across the globe.