A drug for many cures
Rupali Mukherjee
30 Oct, 2006 0021hrs
ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI: Major Biotech companies are in talks with Bangalore-based Biocon for developing a drug to treat blood cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and other such disorders.
Biocon has entered into a global alliance with CIMAB of Cuba for the h-T1, a humanised 'anti-CD6 targeting' monoclonal antibody for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and blood cancer. A monoclonal antibody is an antibody that is made from a single clone.
"Biotech majors, who are working on monoclonal antibody therapies worldwide, are in talks with us to further develop this drug. We have already completed Phase 1 trials of the drug,"Subir Basak, head Oncotherapeutics division Biocon said.
The oncology division of Biocon is involved in the development of monoclonal antibodies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Biocon Oncotherapeutics has a portfolio of novel candidates at various stages in pipeline that will deliver 'targeted therapies for cancer and other diseases,' he added.
Biocon's first monoclonal anti-body based drug, BioMab- EGFR for treating head and neck cancer, was launched. It has invested Rs 100 crore in clinical development.
Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) are emerging as the fastest growing segment in treatment of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
There are about 18 monoclonal antibodies approved globally for therapeutic use with a market size of $15 billion, which is expected to double by 2010.
Most firms are now developing cancer therapies which are more focused in destroying tumour cells, and there is much optimism that Mabs would be the 'magic bullets for the treatment of cancer, experts say. |
