Pharmaceutical firm Actavis is to support the University of Malta’s Department of Pharmacy for three years under a new agreement signed.

Support will be shaped through initiatives aimed at enhancing, strengthening and creating teaching and research programmes within the department. The document was signed by the University Rector Juanito Camilleri and Actavis managing director Sergio Vella.

Initiatives that outline the agreement include the co-ordination, design and printing of the department’s journal, the ‘Journal of EurMed Pharmacy’ (JEMP). Actavis Ltd will also be presenting an award to the best presentation held during the Annual Pharmacy Symposium.

Under the agreement, Actavis Ltd will also be collaborating with the University to provide students with internship placements at Actavis. Actavis and the University will be working towards establishing a programme for extra-mural practical sessions for undergraduate pharmacy students.

“Actavis Ltd has collaborated with the Pharmacy Department on several occasions, however this agreement will strengthen and formalise the relationship between the two entities,” said Mr Vella. “Actavis is one of the world’s leading players in the development, manufacture, and sale of first-class generic pharmaceuticals. The Group has more than 10,000 employees operating in over 40 countries around the globe. The Malta facility employs over 600 highly talented employees and has become a key contributor to the Actavis group of companies.”