Biocon recently announced the launch of its ‘first in class’ novel biologic ALZUMAb (Itolizumab), reportedly the world’s first anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody to be introduced for treating patients with chronic plaque psoriasis in India.
ALZUMAb with a unique Mechanism of Action (MoA) claims to offer superior safety and similar efficacy profile compared to other existing therapies, and has a long remission period with very low opportunistic infection rate. Psoriasis is a socially debilitating disease affecting two to three per cent of world population. The global psoriasis market size is estimated to cross $8 billion by 2016. Commenting on this development, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director, Biocon said, “Biocon’s ALZUMAb (Itolizumab) is the first anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody to be commercialised, an outcome of path breaking research in India. This new line of treatment will usher in a paradigm shift in the management of psoriasis. We are proud that this will be the first instance of a breakthrough innovation from India with a potential to treat multiple autoimmune diseases and making a difference to a much larger patient population across the world.”
Rakesh Bamzai, President-Marketing, Biocon said, “Biocon is committed to address the huge unmet need of patients suffering from psoriasis through its ‘first in class’ biologic ALZUMAb. Compared to existing therapies, ALZUMAb offers better safety and efficacy profile to the patients with longer remission periods and lower infection rates that will lead to better patient compliance and overall reduction in the cost burden to the patient.”
Indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, ALZUMAb is being introduced in India by Biocon’s Immuno Therapy Division. Formulated as an infusion drug it is manufactured at Biocon’s Biopharma manufacturing facility at Biocon Park, Asia’s largest biotech hub in Bangalore.
Biocon is a front runner in introducing a biologic based on TH 17 pathway.
According to the company’s press release, ALZUMAb is the world’s first anti -CD6 biologic addressing the Th 17 pathway that has completed its ‘Lab to Market’ journey. Emerging data shows that in addition to Th 1, Th17 cells, play a critical role in autoimmune diseases, and Biocon is a front-runner in the race to develop biologics targeting the Th17 pathway with ALZUMAb (Itolizumab). This differentiated MOA positions Itolizumab as a potentially ‘best-in-class’ treatment for psoriasis, and other autoimmune diseases.
Itolizumab is a high potential biologic for a range of autoimmune diseases. ALZUMAb is an outcome of breakthrough innovation at Biocon which has the potential to transform the treatment options for several autoimmune diseases besides psoriasis like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others. It is potentially a pipeline within a product.
Its launch in India for psoriasis is the first milestone on a promising and exciting journey towards new treatment options for life-changing autoimmune diseases, claims Biocon’s press release. The company intends to take ALZUMAb (Itolizumab) from India to patients worldwide with a global partner.
EP News Bureau – Mumbai
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