Strategic Alliances


Syngene partners with Sapient Discovery to expand integrated drug discovery offerings

SYNGENE - SAPIENT DISCOVERY: 2009

Syngene will offer fully integrated drug discovery services by partnering with Sapient Discovery, a US based Biotechnology Company located in San Diego. The companies intend to provide a highly integrated platform for structure-based drug discovery as a one stop shop for structure-guided discovery, chemistry, biology and structural biology capabilities.

About Sapient Discovery

Sapient Discovery is an established leader in structure-guided drug discovery with a number of proprietary algorithms and capabilities for efficient protein structure based drug discovery and optimization. Sapient Discovery's proprietary Genes-to-Leads, Fragments-to-Leads; and X-ray crystallography technologies provide dramatic reductions in the time and costs associated with compound synthesis and screening and expands the horizons of chemical diversity potentially applicable to novel or even well studied drug targets.


Acquisition for the marketing and distribution of a range of pharmaceuticals in Germany and Europe.

BIOCON-AXICORP 2008

Biocon reached an agreement to acquire a 70% stake in German pharmaceutical company, AxiCorp GmbH for a consideration of €30 Million. This will enable the marketing and distribution of a range of pharmaceuticals including generics, biosimilars, biologics and innovative pharmaceutical products in Germany and Europe. AxiCorp is a specialized marketing and distribution company established in 2002 by a group of industry experts to address the lucrative generics and parallel distribution market in Germany and Europe. AxiCorp is now an autonomous subsidiary of Biocon.

About AxiCorp

Established in 2002, AxiCorp is headquartered in Friedrichsdorf, (near Frankfurt) Germany and markets parallel distributed EU-pharmaceuticals as well as its own generic brand "axcount". This unique business approach contributes to significant cost savings for German health providers and patients in the patented pharmaceuticals market as well as in the off-patent market. AxiCorp is amongst the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in Germany, with a turnover of €75 Million in 2007. Today, the company employs about 170 employees and has launched more than 180 products.


Partnership for the co-development of immunoconjugates for targeted immunotherapy of cancers and infectious diseases

BIOCON- IATRICa, 2008

Biocon Limited and IATRICa, Inc. announced a strategic partnership to co-develop an exclusive new class of immunoconjugates for targeted immunotherapy of cancers and infectious diseases. The companies will co-develop candidate products based upon IATRICa’s technology platform and Biocon’s proven expertise in drug development, biologics manufacturing, and clinical research.

About IATRICa Inc.

IATRICa is a privately held biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of novel targeted immunoconjugates for prevention or treatment of cancer and infectious disorders. IATRICa is a start-up company formed in 2007 with technology developed at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, and has exclusive licenses to the immunoconjugate technology invented by Johns Hopkins scientists and company founders, Dr. Atul Bedi and Dr. Rajani Ravi. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.


Licensing agreement for G CSF in North America and the European Union & for the commercialisation of ABRAXANE in India

BIOCON-ABRAXIS: 2007

Biocon and Abraxis BioScience, Inc. have announced an agreement wherein Abraxis will license the right to develop a biosimilar version of G-CSF (Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor) in North America and the European Union. Under the terms of the agreement, Biocon will receive an upfront licensing fee and, following approval in the licensed territories, royalties from Abraxis BioScience.

In addition, Biocon and Abraxis BioScience, Inc. have also announced a licensing agreement for the commercialization of ABRAXANE® (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound) in India. Under the terms of the agreement, Biocon will also have the right to market ABRAXANE in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and certain other Persian Gulf countries. As part of this agreement, Abraxis will receive royalties from Biocon based on net sales of ABRAXANE in these countries.

Progress: Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approval has been obtained to market ABRAXANE® for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound) in India for the treatment of breast cancer.

Commercial introduction of ABRAXANE in the Indian market is expected in 2008 following the completion of the appropriate importation certifications.

Abraxis BioScience, Inc. is an integrated global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to meeting the needs of critically ill patients. The company develops, manufactures and markets one of the broadest portfolios of injectable products and leverages revolutionary technology such as its nab™ platform to discover and deliver breakthrough therapeutics that transform the treatment of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The first FDA approved product to use this nab platform, ABRAXANE®, was launched in 2005 for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.


Partnership for Greater Focus in Biotechnology and Biosciences Research

BIOCON- DEAKIN UNIVERSITY: 2007

Biocon signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Deakin University for cooperation in the following areas:

-Establishment of the Deakin Research Institute in Bangalore.

-Joint development of a mammalian cell bio-processing
  facility at Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Deakin University, Victoria is Australia's fastest growing university in multi- disciplinary research with greater focus in biotechnology and biosciences research.


Partnership for research discovery and development in India

SYNGENE- BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB: 2007

Syngene has entered into a research partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). Through this symbiotic global partnership, Syngene will provide BMS research and development services for discovery and early drug development.


Exclusive Marketing License for BIOMAb EGFR™ for Pakistan

BIOCON-FEROZSONS: 2007

Biocon has granted an exclusive license to Ferozsons Laboratories Limited for marketing BIOMAb EGFR™ in Pakistan. The successful debut made by BIOMAb EGFR™ in the Indian market since mid-September, 2006, has evinced strong licensing interest for the proprietary cancer drug in the region. Biocon's decision to select Ferozsons Laboratories Limited as its exclusive licensee in Pakistan was based on the leadership position that the company enjoys in Oncology.

Ferozsons Laboratories Limited is the foremost national Oncology company in Pakistan.


Partnership to Manufacture and Market Biopharmaceuticals in GCC Countries

BIOCON- NEOPHARMA: 2007

Biocon and Abu Dhabi based pharmaceutical company Neopharma have signed an MOU to establish a JV to manufacture and market a range of biopharmaceuticals for the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council).

This landmark agreement between the two companies heralds the region's first foray to develop and market life saving biopharmaceutical products.


Partnership to Develop Virulence Blockers

SYNGENE - INNATE PHARMACEUTICALS: 2006

Syngene and Innate Pharmaceuticals AB, Umea, Sweden concluded a cooperation agreement to jointly develop, manufacture and market virulence blockers to counteract bacterial diarrhoeal disease.

Progress: Using in vitro and cell-based assays, several novel small molecule inhibitors of Type 3 secretion in Yersinia and Salmonella have been identified in this collaboration. These promising inhibitors have been characterised for drug-like properties and analogs of such compounds are being synthesized in order to improve both potency and physico-chemical properties. Some of the promising compounds are now being tested in animal models for diarrhoea and evaluated for pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile in rodents.

Innate Pharmaceuticals AB was formed in 2000 to create a commercial platform for the world-leading research taking place at Umeå University and Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.


Licensing Agreement to Develop and Market Intranasal Insulin Spray

BIOCON-BENTLEY: 2005

Biocon signed a product licensing agreement with Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for its intranasal spray formulation for Insulin administration. The license agreement covers 85 countries, granting Biocon exclusive as well as co-exclusive rights to develop and market throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

In addition Biocon also entered into a long term supply agreement with Bentley. We will provide Bentley and its licensees, with a competitive supply of Insulin for worldwide markets. The terms of agreement assures Bentley commercial supply of Insulin for worldwide markets.

Progress: In 2007, Bentley received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to proceed with a Phase II clinical evaluation of Nasulin in Type II diabetic patients.

Bentley Pharmaceuticals Inc. , a technology-based specialty pharmaceutical and drug delivery company with a growing branded and generic product line in Europe.


Collaboration in Research and Research-Education

BIOCON-KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE: 2005

Biocon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Karolinska Institute, Sweden to collaborate in research and research-education initiatives.

The agreement outlines the following areas of collaboration:

- Partnering in product development

- Joint PhD studies at Karolinska Institute

- Joint research programs between Karolinska Institute and   Biocon

- Scientific symposia in India sponsored by Biocon in   association with Karolinska Institute

Progress

- Mr. Shrikumar Suryanarayan, President, R&D Biocon Ltd
  has been appointed honorary visiting faculty in the   department of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute.

- Joint Ph.D. programs are being conducted.

- In 2006, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF)
  and Karolinska Institute of Sweden organized a diabetes   symposium. Biocon was a co-sponsor.

Karolinska Institute is Sweden's leading medical university, reputed to be among Europe's best. The institute's reputation for visionary science has afforded it the exceptional honour and responsibility to nominate The Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology every year.


Partnership to Discover and Develop Therapeutic Antibodies

BIOCON-VACCINEX: 2004

Biocon and Vaccinex, Inc. have embarked on a broad, strategic partnership to discover and co-develop fully humanized antibodies focused on cancer, inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The collaboration combines Vaccinex's unique capabilities to discover fully human monoclonal antibodies using its proprietary antibody discovery technology and Biocon's proven expertise in clinical research and biologics manufacturing.

Progress: Currently, two monoclonal antibodies, BVX-10 (directed against TNFa- a promising target for therapeutic intervention in Rheumatoid Arthritis) & BVX-20 (intended for use in the treatment of patients with relapsed or chemotherapy resistant follicular B-cell NHL and CD20 positive diffuse large B- cell NHL in combination with chemotherapy) have moved into preclinical stages.

Vaccinex is a privately held biotechnology company headquartered in Rochester, New York engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic antibodies.


Partnership for the Co-development of Immunotherapy & Monoclonal Antibodies

BIOCON-CIMAB: 2003

Anticipating the increasing importance of immunotherapy
medicines of the future, Biocon established Biocon Biopharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (BBPL), a joint venture with the Cuban Institute CIMAB to develop and market a range of MAbs and Cancer Vaccines. BBPL will benefit from CIMAB expertise in developing and manufacturing immunotherapy products (which today is largely imported into India) and Biocon's R&D and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

Progress: Launch of India's first anti-cancer drug, BIOMAb-EGFR™.

CIMAB is the commercial branch of the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM), a Cuban biotechnology institution dedicated to research, product development and manufacture of mammalian cell culture products.