Two leading Indian drug companies, Wockhardt and Lupin, are developing monoclonal antibodies in the areas like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases like Crohn's Disease, Spondylitis and Psoriasis, according to senior officials in these companies. The companies are making antibodies derived from mouse, it is learnt. These antibodies are advanced biotech drugs.

Both the companies are looking at antibodies specially targeted against TNF alpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha), produced by white blood cells, a key factor responsible for inflammation. Earlier, Pharmabiz.com had reported on how Nicholas Piramal, another Indian company was developing antibodies against TNF alpha.

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. Crohn's disease is a chronic bowel disorder characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease is mostly found in the youth and has affected more than 10 lakh children globally, causing emotional and social difficulties in addition to its painful physical symptoms. Although in India, the disease is not that prevalent.

So far globally, only three monoclonal products have been approved by the US-FDA, which are used in the treatment against diseases like arthritis and Crohn's disease. They are Enbrel (Etanercept, Amgen), Remicade (Infliximab, J&J) and Humira (Adalimumab, Abott). These are anti-TNF drugs.

Traditionally, inflammation has been treated with steroids and pain killers like prednisolone, sulfasalazine, mesalamine (Mesacol), ranitidine and penicillin, as in cases like arthritis and Crohn's.

Monoclonal brands of Wyeth (Enbrel) and Fulford are available in the country today, which are imported.

"An Indian patient has to spend Rs 2-3 lakhs for treatment using monoclonal anti-bodies, which is very effective compared to traditional steroids and pain killers, which would cost him just few hundred rupees," said Dr. KM Mohandas, Gasteroenterologist at Tata Memorial Hospital.

Pharma and biotech analysts are thrilled over Indian companies' efforts. "If Indian companies find success in making their own antibodies, then the cost of the treatment could be brought down to one-tenth of the rate MNCs are charging," said a Mumbai-based biotech analyst.