Biocon launches new cancer drug

Economic Times | 18th Sep 2006

BIOMAb EGFR is the first of it's kind of to be clinically developed in India.

BIOTECHNOLOGY behemoth Biocon has launched BIOMAb-EGFR, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody-based drug for treating solid tumours of epithelial origin, such as head and neck cancers. Launched by film star Shah Ruth Khan in Bangalore on Sunday, the new drug is engineered to specifically target and block the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that proliferates cancer cells.

Launched across India, BIOMAb EGFR will be available as a unit carton of four vials. The drug is the first of its kind to be clinically developed in India and is the first anti-EGFR humanized monoclonal antibody for cancer to be made commercially available anywhere in the world. According to the company, the product has shown consistent response in clinical trials initiated both in India and globally and will later be extended to other indications. It will be manufactured at the Biocon Park.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, CMD, Biocon, said pricing will be finalised by next week and the drug will be priced at least "40 percent below other MNC drugs" of its category, "This launch spearheads Biocon's foray into proprietary immunotherapeutics and today we join the exclusive league of monoclonal antibody developers worldwide. While therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have been introduced in the country, they are beyond the reach of a majority of cancer patients because of its prohibitive cost.'

Ms Shaw said BIOMAb-EGFR represents Biocon's "largest investment" till date for the development of a drug. Biocon has initiated talks with several countries for regulatory clearance and plans to make the drug available across Europe and the US.

BIOMAb-EGER targets the human EGFR, a type of protein found on the surface of both normal and cancer cells. Small proteins circulating in the blood, called epidermal growth factors (EGF), bind with the EGFR. This binding stimulates certain biological processes within the cell to promote cell growth in a controlled manner. However, in many cells, EGFR is overproduced, leading to abnormal growth. The pivotal role of EGFR in malignant cell formation has prompted the development of biological agents, such as BIOMAb-EGER that disrupts and inhibits the EGFR signaling process.

The number of cancer incidents is alarmingly high in India: about 100 per lakh, and the highest rates of head and neck cancers are reported in South Asian countries, The Indian sub-continent accounts for one-third of the world burden of head and neck cancers. Significant risk factors include smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol.

At the launch, SRK urged youngsters to keep away from smoking. "I too am trying to get rid of this bad habit," he said.
 

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