Biocon, Mylan drug discovery programme makes progress

NEW DELHI, May 7:  Biocon today said two molecules for treating cancer and arthritis under the drug discovery programme with Mylan have entered global Phase 3 of clinical trials.
The molecules are Pegfilgrastim (PEG-G-CSF) and Adalimumab. While the PEG-G-CSF trial is well underway the Adalimumab trial has been recently initiated, Biocon Ltd said in a statement.
In addition, the phase 3 global clinical trial for Trastuzumab, aimed at treating breast cancer, is progressing in more than 100 sites around the world, it added.
“The advancement of these programmes in the clinic represents significant progress towards  providing  these high quality biologics to patients across the world,” Biocon CEO & Joint Managing Director Arun Chandavarkar said.
Together with Mylan, the company can build a strong global presence in generic insulin analogs and biosimilars like monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins to address the need for affordable access to these biologics, he added.
“As we move into FY16, we clearly see our biosimilar strategy playing out with greater clarity, credibility and traction visible across our portfolio of biologics as they advance in clinical development,” Chandavarkar said.
The biotechnology major said two global clinical trials for generic insulin glargine initiated in 2014, have also made significant progress.
“The patient recruitment for Type-1 diabetes study has been completed ahead of schedule, while the recruitment for Type-2 diabetes study is expected to be completed by July 2015,” the company said.
(PTI)