Biocon has inked an exclusive pact with US-based Safety Syringes Inc., to introduce ultra safe passive delivery system technology in the form of pre-filled syringes (PFS) for two life saving products, Erypro Safe with EPO (Erythropoitin) for nephrology and Nufil Safe for GCSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor ) for cancer patients. The novel drug delivery device is being introduced for the first time in the country. Biocon has incurred expenditure around Rs 10 crore for the research and the clinical trials.

PFS is a global trend and in India the concept is new. However, doctors are recommending PFS as a safe and painless procedure which can be administered at home by the patient or his relative. Among the key benefits are high degree of flexibility, simple handling, retractable needle that reduces the chance of injuries during injection. Further, the device is tamper proof and ensures that the syringe is non reusable thus ensuring the safety of the highest order. The PFS is available at affordable price which is almost 50 per cent to those available in the market. It is priced between Rs 715 inclusive of taxes for a 2000 IU to a maximum of Rs 2995 for 10,000 IU as against the available ones in the market which cost Rs 11,995.

Safety Syringe has given Biocon the exclusive global marketing rights for Erypro and GCSF. "We are introducing this proprietary device to the Indian market for the first time which will greatly benefit the Indian patients", stated Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman and managing director, Biocon Ltd.

Mark Hasset, executive vice president, Safety Syringes Inc. said that Erypro Safe and Nufil Safe represent a major advantage for Biocon over other drug delivery devices under PFS presentations.

The total value of the PFS market in India is around Rs 300 crore and growing at 20 per cent annually. Out of this the EPO market is valued at Rs 75 crore.