The Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) has inked a deal with Aston University, Birmingham, in United Kingdom, for research in biotechnology and biomedical studies, especially stem cell therapy.

The MoU was inked during the inaugural session of "First international conference on human implications of biotechnology", organised by the Centre for Biological Sciences (CBS) at CUSB. Other areas the two universities will jointly do research in, according to the deal, includes drug delivery design, biomedical research in women's health, mental health and cardiovascular health.

Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. It is used to treat diseases like thalassaemia, sickle-cell anaemia and some blood-related cancers. Drug delivery is the method or process of administering a pharmaceutical compound to achieve a therapeutic effect in humans or animals.

Welcoming the deal, CSB head Rizwanul Haque said: "As no universities in Bihar conduct research in biomedical sciences, this will be useful for students." Explaining the nitty-gritty, Haque said: "In modern medical science, drug delivery system is getting great importance as it ensures targeted therapies. If a person has tumor in the liver, drug delivery ensures the drug reaches it and no other body part, so that there are no side effects."

Asif Ahmed, pro-vice chancellor for health and executive dean, Aston University, said: "As part of the deal, there will be students and faculty exchange. CUSB students will visiting Aston for research."

Ahmed has his roots in Bihar. He is the great grandson of freedom fighter Hassan Imam Ali.