Biotechnology major, Biocon Limited has filed a Drug Master File for its in-house developed R&D product 'Mycophenolatemofetil' a novel immunosuppressant.

Commonly referred 'MMF', the small molecule is produced under controlled conditions by using Biocon's own patented hybrid fermentation technology PlaFractor.

MMF molecule is soon to go off -patent and Biocon is the only company in the country that is a bio-generic producer of the molecule, sources from the company said.

Several patents protect the MMF production. Many of these patents go beyond the life of the MMF molecule itself. Biocon has several novel enzymatic processes to manufacture MMF, which allows it to develop without infringing any of the patents. Hence the company has the freedom to market the product internationally as well, Shrikumar Suryanarayan, president, research and development, Biocon Limited told Pharambiz.com.

The company has allocated 13 per cent of its turnover of Rs 398 crore into R&D. Going by the company's products in the pipeline -statins for cardiovascular disorders, human insulin for diabetes, MMF for immunosuppressants and monoclonal antibodies (MAB) for oncology, Biocon intends to concentrate in these areas because of its sound know-how and skill strength, informed Suryanarayan.