Biocon is now looking at diabetic and cancer drugs for as its future growth paths. The company has announced a slew of projects at the time of releasing its Q1 results of 2011-2011.
Its research pipeline has IN-105 an oral insulin programme for which Biocon is currently in talks with several potential partners, for the global development and commercialization. For Psoriasis, its Itolizumab phase 2/3 clinical trial data analysis is on and for the rheumatoid arthritis drug, phase 2/3 clinical trial is underway this year-end. The company intends to stimulate its growth with the launch of insulin pens slated for this year-end.
According to ORG MAT (Moving Annual Total) 2011 report, Biocon is ranked third in the insulin’s space, with a growth rate of 35 per cent that outpaces the market’s 19 per cent growth. 'Therefore, our prospects for the next three quarters are fuelled by the launch of Insulin pens, which is slated to change the way the 51 million diabetics in India get their daily insulin dose. The existing portfolio is led by Insugen 100, launched in Q3 FY11. Basalog is now the largest brand by volume sales in the Glargine vials market. This year, the orals segment will be led by the launch of “Volicose” (Voglibose) and “Metadoze V” (metformin+voglibose combination)”, stated Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD, Biocon.
In the oncology arena, the company has come a long way from its BIMAb EGFR and recently received DCGI approval to begin a phase 1 clinical trial for BVX-20 is a novel human monoclonal antibody for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) a common cancer of the lymphoid organs. This monoclonal antibody was also developed in collaboration with Vaccinex using their ActivMab technology. Its Abraxane for metastatic breast cancer is ranked third in the hypercompetitive taxanes market. Early this year, it introduced Evertor (Everolimus) in the domestic market Other launches expected are Atsure (Gemcitabine), Xtide (Oxaliplatin) and Adnexa (Epirubicin) for cancer chemotherapy.
Its year-old comprehensive care division, flagship brands like Celrim TZ, Entavar, Biopiper and Penmer have posted excellent growth.
Nephrology division brands are Tacrograf, Renodapt, the Erypro Group and Cyclophil ME.
In the oncology –immunotherapy space, TBIS is among the top 5 brands in Tacrolimus. By end of the year, PICON (Pimecrolimus) is expected to be the largest brand in India. In Q2 FY12, it will launch two brands for immuno-dermatological disorders.
In cardiology brands like Bestor, Actiblok-IPR, Telmisat and Myokinase have reported high growth. Its BESTOR-FN (Rosuvastatin + Nanonized Fenofibrate) is part of its statins portfolio and Nanonized Fenofibrate with Rosuvastatin is a fixed dose combination therapy for the high-risk diabetic dyslipidemics.
In the research services, Syngene registered 21 per cent YoY. The Biocon subsidiary’s collaboration with BMS has now grown to over 400 Full Time Equivalent companies making it the largest integrated discovery and development CRO collaboration in India.
Clinigene with its advanced immunoanalytical laboratory is well poised to grab a significant share of novel biologic and biosimilar clinical services market globally. Its LIMS and Meso Scale Discovery Platform will make it the only CRO in India to offer these high end services at a GLP compliant immunoanalytical laboratory.