Bangalore : Biocon, Asia’s premier biotechnology company, today announced the launch of its ‘first in class’ novel biologic ALZUMAb  (Itolizumab), 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) offers 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 2-3 % of world population. The global Psoriasis market size is estimated to cross $8 bn by 2016.

Commenting on this development Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director, Biocon said, “Biocon’s ALZUMAb™ (Itolizumab) is the first anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody to be commercialized, 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.”

Mr. 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 a 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 Immunotherapy 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.

Source :  Seema Ahuja