Biocon’s subsidiary company Biocon SA, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the 49 per cent equity stake held by CIMAB SA (Cuban Institute of Monoclonal Antibodoes) in Biocon Biopharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd (BBPL). With acquisition of 49 per cent stake, BBPL will now become a wholly owned subsidiary of Biocon. This move allows the two partners Biocon and CIMAB to focus on the joint development of novel biologics led by its most promising programme T1h (Anti-CD6 Monoclonal antibody) which has just entered phase-III clinical trials in Psoriasis.

BBPL, a joint venture between Biocon and CIMAB, was established to provide manufacturing support for a range of biopharmaceuticals. This partnership has already resulted in the successful launch of India’s first novel monoclonal antibody ‘BIOMAb’ for the treatment of head & neck cancer. Biocon has also established ERYPRO (erythropoietin) as a major brand in India. It will continue to provide manufacturing support for all partnered programmes between CIMAB and Biocon. The two will work towards the development of T1h (Anti CD6 Monoclonal Antibody) for global markets, and the promotion of BIOMAb and ERYPRO in India and other agreed territories.

Speaking on the development, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD, Biocon Group said that this move opens a new chapter in our valuable partnership with CIMAB. We see T1h (Anti CD6 Monoclonal Antibody) as a unique global opportunity that has the potential of being a best in class therapy for a range of auto-immune diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.

Dr Agustin Lage, heads Centre of Molecular Immunology (CIM) commented, "This restructuring of our co-operation with Biocon will enable us to focus on research, development and commercialization of our novel biopharmaceutical drugs for global markets which we consider to be the most important part of our collaboration."

CIMAB SA is the commercial branch of the Centre of Molecular Immunology (CIM) which is one of the centres of the Scientific Pole in Cuba devoted to research, development and manufacturing human biotech products, and CIMAB the marketing company. Its research programs are focused in the areas of cancer therapeutics, autoimmune diseases and renal transplant. It utilizes its platform technology and development capabilities to facilitate the rapid and cost-effective discovery and development of novel anti-cancer drugs.