The Hyderabad-based Hindustan Bio Sciences, has received the approval from Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, (GEAC) for import and marketing of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin. Erythropoietin, a bio- engineering product is manufactured by China-based Shandong Kexing Bioproducts Co Ltd and is to be marketed in India by Hindustan Bio.

Erythropoietin is manufactured by recombinant DNA techniques. It is used in the treatment of anaemia resulting from - Chronic renal failure, Cancer, AIDS etc.

The present market of Erythropoietin is estimated to be at US$8.6 Billion globally and is increasing at a rate of 17 per cent annually. In India the gross sales have crossed Rs 70 crores in 2003 and is estimated to increase at a minimum rate of 20 per cent annually in view of steady increase in the incidence of Chronic kidney disease, cancer and AIDS. Hindustan Bio Sciences is likely to enter into the market by the end of 2004.