Biocon India Group has entered into a joint technology development with the Centre for Molecular Immunology, a Cuban-based monoclonal antibody and cell culture technology major for the research and production of a novel drug for head and neck cancer. The joint venture, which is a 51:49 partnership will see the development of an anti EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) human monoclonal antibody.

"There will be a certain element of technology transfer and a joint technology development including clinical studies, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairman and managing director, Biocon India told Pharmabiz.com "We are going to take it through Phase I, II and III trails through Clinigene International which is a part of the Biocon Group."

Biocon has chalked out a major expansion plans for which it has bought up land located two km away from its present facility at Hebbagodi on Hosur Road, in the out skirts of Bangalore to set-up its two major production facilities for monoclonal antibody and statins. While the total investment is around Rs. 250 crore, the Cuban technology venture will alone require a capital of Rs. 75 crore, informed Shaw.

On how soon the final product was expected to hit the market, Shaw estimated that the massive technology absorption would take a minimum of two years time to be ready for approval from the Drugs Control of India. The expertise of Clinigene in clinical diagnostics has helped to create an oncology registry with the Curie Centre for Oncology, part of the St. Johns Medical College Hospital which will give an access to characterised cancer patients. "This will enable us to conduct Phase III trails with a careful knowledge of tumour markers. Going by the current research studies, the efficacy and response on the patients with this new molecule will be quite high," noted Shaw.

India has a huge population of EGF cancers and clinical trials here are expected to be conducted on cancers affecting all organs. Right now in Cuba, the trails are on only for head and neck cancer, she informed.

The company's success with statins, immunosuppresants, and human insulin is expected to provide major chunk of earnings from the domestic and international front, Shaw noted.