The Hindu Business Line : Biocon eyeing top slot in nephrology space

Bangalore, June 4 Over a year after its nephrology foray, Biocon Ltd says it is eyeing to be the top domestic player in the growing segment in the next 4-5 years.

Its erythropoietin (EPO) brand to treat anaemia in renal failure patients is alone targeted to be number one in 3-5 years with 30 per cent market share, according to Biocon’s CEO, Ms Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. The red blood cell enriching product is among 18 competing brands, among them nine pre-filled syringes (PFSs). It is also the largest EPO producer in the country.

The nephrology range with six branded products was launched in March 2007 and at least as many as said to be coming out over the next three years. These formulations, currently contributing about 8 per cent of the company’s revenues, are expected to grow to 15 per cent next year. The portfolio includes Renodapt - S (mycophenolate sodium); Renodapt (mycophenolate mofetil); Cyclophil ME (cyclosporine) Tacrograf (Tacrolimus) and Erypro Safe.

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Ms Shaw earlier announced the launch of two non-reusable life-saving PFS products – Erypro Safe for kidney failure patients and Nufil Safe containing a growth hormone or GCSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) to treat chemotherapy patients.

These are said to be the first such products in the country and “We will look at making other products available in this format,” both in the country and in other markets, Ms Shaw said. Biocon has tied up with Safety Syringes Inc., US, to present its products in novel PFS drug delivery versions. “The [PFS] allows product differentiation and means simplified drug administration” for self-injecting patients, Ms Mazumdar Shaw said.

Mr Raghava Vempati, Head-Nephrology, said the division ranked fourth for the company after diabetology, oncology and cardio-vascular formulations.

The EPO market is worth Rs 75 crore and growing at 20 per cent a year. Biocon aims to first make it a Rs 25-crore, top EPO brand in the country in three years, said Mr Rakesh Bamzai, President, Marketing. The product is to hit other markets in the coming months.

Four quantities of Erypro Safe are available in the range of Rs 975 for 2000 IU and Rs 2995 for 10,000 IU; Nufil is priced Rs 1975.

According to Biocon, PFS which is replacing the vials is the current best form in injectable drugs. The syringe breaks after use and cannot be repeated. The pre-filled syringes segment has seen growing demand in the last ten years. With India having the largest number of USFDA-approved plants outside the US, PFS adds another edge to the country’s low-cost biotech manufacturing advantage.

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