Ahmedabad-based biopharmaceutical major Intas Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (IBPL) and Viropro Inc. (Viropro) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the possibilities of production of an undisclosed molecule. The MoU offers unique collaboration opportunities to both the companies for commercial as well as research interests. With this development, IBPL is looking forward to invest equity in Viropro.

Explaining the salient aspects of the MoU, director, IBPL, Shri Mani Iyer, said, "As part of the MoU, Viropro has developed certain proprietary technologies and sole expertise in a unique molecule dedicated towards bio-therapeutic products for which IBPL shall have non exclusive worldwide rights on the finished products and the API. Both the companies are looking to enter into a contract to complete pre-clinical and clinical development as well as manufacture and commercially distribute the product, based on the MoU. Additionally IBPL and Viropro, desire to evaluate potential areas of collaboration in future for development of new molecules."

"With this agreement, revenues are expected to start in July, 2007 on the signature of the contract. We are very pleased to be working with IBPL, a well-established biopharmaceuticals company that has a proven track record of quickly bringing products to market. This partnership testifies to Viropro's strong intellectual property and process development skills," said Dr Jean-Marie Dupuy, president and CEO of Viropro.

Development of bio-generics including Cytokines, Hormones, novel products and recombinant blood factors is amongst the priority area for IBPL and Viropro. With robust R&D infrastructure, manufacturing facility and strong expertise, IBPL successfully launched several biotechnology products including G-CSF, Erythropoietin and Interferon. Both companies are constantly exploring novel opportunities for undertaking research initiatives that will lead to expansion of their product portfolio.


Commenting on the development, head of the quality and strategic Research division, IBPL, Dr Rustom Mody, said, "In order to develop innovative research technologies, new molecules related to biopharmaceuticals; evaluate technology platforms; identify partnership opportunities, in-licensable IPs; and to build up Novel Drug Delivery System for proteins, we have constituted a dedicated strategic research team. This MoU gives us a unique platform to explore opportunities in development of future technologies through strategic research. IBPL is aggressively working towards developing a product portfolio related to unique molecules."