Syngene and Endo to expand their collaboration in cancer research...

Bangalore, July 21, 2011: Syngene International, a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, the Indian biotechnology major, and Endo Pharmaceuticals USA (NASDAQ: ENDP) announced today that they have signed an agreement to expand their collaboration to develop novel biological therapeutic molecules against cancer. Syngene and Endo will partner on two new discovery programmes, strengthening their ongoing alliance in cancer research. Under the agreement, Endo will retain all rights to the molecules developed, while Syngene International will receive research fees, milestone payments and success fees from Endo.

Though traditional chemo and radiation therapy is the mainstay in cancer treatment, newly emerging trends in drug discovery show a substantial shift in focus towards targeted therapeutics using biological molecules such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments and conjugates. These new lines of therapeutic molecules are poised to pave the way for the next breakthrough in cancer therapy.

Through this extended partnership, Syngene International and Endo Pharmaceuticals will leverage their complementary and synergistic capabilities towards innovating novel therapeutic molecules for a robust cancer pipeline.

Mr. Peter Bains, Director of Syngene, said, “We are very glad to expand our ongoing collaboration with Endo Pharmaceuticals. This expansion reflects both the progress being made by Endo in the exciting area of novel therapeutic interventions to treat cancer, and Endo’s confidence in Syngene’ s discovery and development capabilities in strengthening Endo’s pipeline.”

About Syngene International Limited
Syngene is India’s leading contract research organization offering integrated drug discovery and development services with capabilities in medicinal chemistry, biology, in vivo pharmacology, toxicology, custom synthesis, process R&D, and formulation development for small and large molecules. Syngene has an expert team of over 1250 scientists and 1 million sq. ft. of built-up laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the R&D programmes of global pharma/ biotech companies. More information is available at www.syngeneintl.com

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Media Contacts
Varija Belliappa                                                                
Biocon Limited 
Tel: +91 80 2808 2223                                                     
Fax: +91 80 2852 3423                                                    
Email: varija.belliappa@biocon.com