The Ahmedabad-based biopharmaceutical major, Intas Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (IBPL), is expanding its research and development centre by setting up a new R&D Lab at the existing facility. The investment for new lab is still not decided.
Dr Urmish Chudar, managing director IBPL, said, "With the setting up of a new research lab, we will in a position to strengthen our R&D activities. With the R&D expansion, we will able to undertake 10-12 new projects at a time. This will facilitate to speed up our product introduction cycle. We are also doubling our manpower strength to 100 by the end of the year."
The company's four product Neukine - rHu G-CSF, Erykine Epofit - rHu EPO and Intalfa - rHu IFN Alfa-2b gives good business to the company .
In the domestic and international market, IBPL has entered into co-marketing agreements and supply of technology agreements with leading pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies in the Oncology, Nephrology and Specialty Therapeutic segments. Globally, IBPL has supply agreements in several countries including Australia, Jordan, Austria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Belgium, Yemen, Egypt, Africa, Russia and Philippines.
When Pharmabiz asked about further expansion plan Chudar said, "For IBPL, expansion of products portfolio is the primary thing. At present we are working on new molecule related to bio-therapeutic product for oncology. The development stage of the molecule is in the initial phase of R&D. Currently, six to eight products are in pipeline".
Recently, company has signed MoU with Viropro Inc for exploring the possibilities of production of an undisclosed molecule. The pact offers collaboration opportunities to both the companies for commercial as well as research interests. With this agreement, revenues are expected to start in July, 2007. This partnership testifies to Viropro's strong intellectual property and process development skills. Through Viropro deal, IBPL is looking for a long-term association for other promising molecules for bio-therapeutic products related to oncology.