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What Is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology, one of the major technologies of the twenty-first century


emerged as a new research field that arose because of the fusion of Biochemistry,
Molecular biology, and Microbiology. Its wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary activities
include recombinant DNA techniques, cloning and the application of microbiology to the
production of goods from bread to antibiotics, contributing to divers areas as food
production, waste disposal, mining and medicine. Applications of Biotechnology is felt
when one goes to the movies to see Jurassic Park with cloned dinosaurs; or reads in the
newspaper about the commercialization of a new Biotech Tomato that has a
comprehensive shelf life; or hears one of the critics of Biotechnology talking about the
possibility of calamitous consequences from genetic engineering.

Meaning of Biotechnology
Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living
organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific
use.
In its purest form, the term "biotechnology" refers to the use of living organisms
or their products to modify human health and the human environment. Prehistoric
biotechnologists did this as they used yeast cells to raise bread dough and to ferment
alcoholic beverages, and bacterial cells to make cheeses and yogurts and as they bred
their strong, productive animals to make even stronger and more productive offspring.

Scope of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is that branch of science with amalgamates biology and technology in
order to derive productive results from biological organisms through technological
applications. Although modern technology is relatively a newer field of study, the
element of biotechnology has been profound in many forms of traditional practices by
man. This includes production of vinegar, alcoholic beverages, yogurt, cheese and many
more. The understanding and application of biotechnology adds great value to various
aspects of life. Biotechnology can be used as an effective tool for food production, food
storing, environmental conservation and preservation, development of important life
saving drugs and vaccines etc and many more. It involves production of newer and viable
products or developing older products into cheaper and more effecting forms. With the
value addition of biotechnology, today it engulfs many disciplines of science and
technology. They include:
• Stem cell techniques
• Gene Therapy
• Immuno-technologies
• Genetic engineering
• Tissue culture
• Enzyme engineering
• Biosensor
• Bioremediation
• Photosynthetic efficiency

Not to forget, Biotechnology’s valuable contribution in the Peptide synthesis, Rational


drug design, Plant-based drugs, DNA vaccines Nutraceuticals, Cloning technologies,
Organ transplantation, Latest drug-delivery systems, and, Nanobiotechnology etc. has
given it a special place.

Today the essence of biotechnology is most prominent in the field of genetic researches
and drug designing. However, it is being effectively being used for conservation of
natural resources and developing newer sources of alternative energy as well.

Indian sub-continent is known to house one of the world’s largest bio. The Scope of
Biotechnology in India is thus very wide. Diverse marine systems, topography,
abundance of sunshine, cost effective infrastructure and skilled manpower, altogether
form a suitable laboratory and experimenters for research and development of
Biotechnology in India. As Biotechnology is a newer field of study, there are several
problems in this area. But, the future of Biotechnology in India is very bright.

History of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is not limited to medical/health applications (unlike Biomedical
Engineering, which includes much biotechnology). Although not normally thought of as
biotechnology, agriculture clearly fits the broad definition of "using a biotechnological
system to make products" such that the cultivation of plants may be viewed as the earliest
biotechnological enterprise. Agriculture has been theorized to have become the dominant
way of producing food since the Neolithic Revolution. The processes and methods of
agriculture have been refined by other mechanical and biological sciences since its
inception. Through early biotechnology, farmers were able to select the best suited and
crops having the highest yield to produce enough food to support a growing population.
Other uses of biotechnology were required as crops and fields became increasingly large
and difficult to maintain. Specific organisms and organism by-products were used to
fertilize, restore nitrogen, and control pests. Throughout the use of agriculture, farmers
have inadvertently altered the genetics of their crops through introducing them to new
environments and breeding them with other plants—one of the first forms of
biotechnology. Cultures such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India developed the
process of brewing beer. It is still done by the same basic method of using malted grains
(containing enzymes) to convert starch from grains into sugar and then adding specific
yeasts to produce beer. In this process the carbohydrates in the grains were broken down
into alcohols such as ethanol. Ancient Indians also used the juices of the plant Ephedra
vulgaris and used to call it Soma.[citation needed] Later other cultures produced the process of
Lactic acid fermentation which allowed the fermentation and preservation of other forms
of food. Fermentation was also used in this time period to produce leavened bread.
Although the process of fermentation was not fully understood until Pasteur’s work in
1857, it is still the first use of biotechnology to convert a food source into another form.

For thousands of years, humans have used selective breeding to improve production of
crops and livestock to use them for food. In selective breeding, organisms with desirable
characteristics are mated to produce offsprings with the same characteristics. For
example, this technique was used with plants to produce largest and sweetest corn in
order to produce the most desirable crops.

In the early twentieth century scientists gained a greater understanding of microbiology


and explored ways of manufacturing specific products. In 1917, Chaim Weizmann first
used a pure microbiological culture in an industrial process, that of manufacturing corn
starch using Clostridium acetobutylicum, to produce acetone, which the United Kingdom
desperately needed to manufacture explosives during World War I.[3]

Biotechnology has led to the development of antibiotics. In 1928, Alexander Fleming


discovered the mold Penicillium. His work led to the purification of the antibiotic by
Howard Florey, Ernst Boris Chain and Norman Heatley penicillin. In 1940, penicillin
became available for medicinal use to treat bacterial infections in humans.

The field of modern biotechnology is thought to have largely begun on June 16, 1980,
when the United States Supreme Court ruled that a genetically modified microorganism
could be patented in the case of Diamond v. Chakrabarty.[4] Indian-born Ananda
Chakrabarty, working for General Electric, had developed a bacterium (derived from the
Pseudomonas genus) capable of breaking down crude oil, which he proposed to use in
treating oil spills.

Revenue in the industry is expected to grow by 12.9% in 2008. Another factor


influencing the biotechnology sector's success is improved intellectual property rights
legislation—and enforcement—worldwide, as well as strengthened demand for medical
and pharmaceutical products to cope with an ageing, and ailing, U.S. population.

Rising demand for biofuels is expected to be good news for the biotechnology sector,
with the Department of Energy estimating ethanol usage could reduce U.S. petroleum-
derived fuel consumption by up to 30% by 2030. The biotechnology sector has allowed
the U.S. farming industry to rapidly increase its supply of corn and soybeans—the main
inputs into biofuels—by developing genetically modified seeds which are resistant to
pests and drought. By boosting farm productivity, biotechnology plays a crucial role in
ensuring that biofuel production targets are met.
Biotechnology in India
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was set up under the Ministry of Science and
Technology in 1986. This gave a new boost to the development of biotechnology in
India. The DBT has set up many Centres of Excellence in the country. These centers are
responsible for generating skilled manpower, developing research initiatives and
opportunities as well as supporting R&D efforts of private industries and providing
platform to them to out source their research activities to these centres. This has
promoted interactions between the academics and the industry which has resulted in
several industry houses and entrepreneur initiatives to take root and grow biotechnology
in India.

The Indian Government has evolved biosafety guidelines and has helped to lay down
patent rules. It has also participated in technology transfers and international
collaborations. The center is also planning to introduce additional venture capital funds in
line with its Technology Development Fund (TDF) to promote small and medium biotech
enterprises.

The Indian government has laid down a decent regulatory framework to approve GM
crops and r-DNA products for human health. A proactive government policy allows stem
cell research in the country while having in place sound ethical guidelines. The product
patent regime which has come into force since the year 2005 and resulted in giving a
message to the world as well as Indian Industry that India supports world regulatory
framework and rewards new research and initiatives. The second amendment of the
Indian Patents Bill include a 20-year patent term, emergency provisions and
commencement of R&D immediately after the filing of patents. The bill is compatible
with the provisions of WTO and TRIPS and make Indian laws compatible with what has
been agreed within the framework of these multi lateral negotiations.

Several states have taken their own initiatives in terms of defining their own biotech
policies to give an impetus to the industry in this sector and to biotechnology in India as a
whole. States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and Himachal Pradesh are developing biotech parks. They are encouraging research
activities, establishing links between their research institutions and industry. Several
concessions are being offered to the industry in terms of single window clearance, speedy
customs clearance, exemption from tax, creation of funds to be used for the incubation of
new project.

Due to the concerted efforts of the Ministry for Science and Technology, a number of
centers of excellence in the field have been established. These places have world-class
infrastructure and fully developed research centres. These centers are open for
collaboration. Some of these are: Plant Genomics Center, New Delhi, Center for Human
Genetics, Bangalore, National Institute of Biologicals, New Delhi, Center for Cellular
and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, National Facility for Macromolecular
Crystallography, BARC, Mumbai, National Facility for High Field NMR, Tata institute
of Fundamental research (TIFR), Mumbai, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow,
National Brain Research Center, New Delhi, CIMAP.

Bio Technology Industry In India

This industry is one of the sunrise sectors in India.

The biotech industry can be classified into five different segments.


Biopharma, Agri-biotech, Bioinformatics, Bio industrial and Bio services with each
concentrating on a particular area.

• Bio pharma deals with the production of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics,
while the end products of the biotech industry find two different kinds of buyers,
the first type include private hospitals, governments; patients and the second type
include industries like pharmaceutical.
• Agri-biotech deals with hybrid seeds and transgenic crops, biopesticides and
biofertilizers.
• Bio informatics deals with creation and maintenance of extensive electronic
databases on various biological systems.
• Bioservices market deals with clinical trial, contract research and manufacturing
activities.
• Bio Industrial industry deals with enzyme manufacturing and marketing
companies and these enzymes are used in detergent, textile, food, leather, paper
and pharmaceutical industry.

At present there are more than 350 biotech companies in India providing employment for
over 20,000 scientists. Most of the companies are located in the six major cities of Delhi,
Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmadabad. The leading companies
in India are Biocon, Serum Institute of India(in the biopharma space),MahycoMonsanto,
Rasi seeds(in the agri-bio tech field),Strand Genomics, GVK Biosciences (in the
bioinformatics arena),Syngene and Quintiles in the (in bio services).

Importance of Biotechnology:

• In today's era, when people are exposed to so many physical disorders,


biotechnology plays a vital role in developing medicines, vaccines, energy
production, and conservation. To keep pace with the competitive world, India has
launched a comprehensive programme in biotechnology to make use of the
resources available. In India the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was
established in the year 1986 under the ministry of Science and Technology.
• It is imperative that India has to keep up with the increasing demand for food
from the ever expanding population. Agricultural land is also shrinking. Genetic
engineering of plants to increase their yield is the way to go in future.
• Biotechnology can be used in a wide range of economic activity ranging from
environment, animal husbandry, medicinal and aromatic plants, bio fuels,
aquaculture and products like silk and leather.

Future of the Bio Technology Sector

• According to reports bio technology industry in India has become the fourth
largest adopter of biotech crop in the world, replacing Canada. The Indian
biotechnology industry is slated to become a US$ 5 billion industry by 2010.
• India is gaining recognition in the field of clinical trial. A large number of
companies are providing research and development expertise to global
pharmaceutical companies.
• The availability of a vast pool of English speaking science graduates, good
regulatory processes and the cost advantage have positioned India as a favorable
investment destination by the way of globalization, mergers and acquisition and
alliances.
• Indian companies are also expanding overseas. The acquisition of 70 per cent
stake of the German pharma company AxiCorp by Biocon is a case in testimony.
• In terms of technology, the nanotechnology is the next big opportunities.
• Stem Cell Therapy research also has huge potential.

Biotechnology companies use biological systems, living organisms or their derivatives to


make products for specific use. The general opinion about top biotech companies is that
they spend billions of dollars in research and development, and do little else. With such
large inputs, such companies must create novel technologies and products to stay solvent.

Biotechnology industry in world


Before 1970, biotechnology was used mainly in the agricultural and food processing
industries. Today, their area of expertise extends much further. Biotech companies view
their work as an amalgamation of disciplines like genetics, biochemistry, embryology,
molecular biology and cell biology.

Biotech companies mainly work in the fields of medicine, agriculture, crop production,
non-food use of crops and heavy industry. The mining industry, for example, uses
naturally present bacteria in bioleaching.

Biotechnology fields are divided into four groups, named by color. Companies working
with red biotechnology apply it to medical processes, such as the production of
antibiotics and genetic cures. White biotechnology is used in industrial processes, while
green biotechnology is applied to agricultural processes. Blue biotechnology is issued in
marine applications.

Some of the top biotechnology companies of the world are as follows:


Abbott Bioresearch Center Inc:
Discovers, develops, manufactures and sells pharmaceutical and nutritional products.
Abbott is located in Illinois, USA.

Achaogen:
The company is currently pursuing strategies to prevent drug resistance. Located on the
shores of San Francisco Bay, USA, it contains extensive research facilities.

Acumen Pharmaceuticals:
Acumen is doing groundbreaking diagnostics and developing medicines for Alzheimer's
disease and memory loss. The company is based in Manchester, UK.

Aerie Pharmaceuticals:
Aerie focuses on development of medical innovations in opthalmology. The company is
located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Amaxa GMBH:
Amaxa markets, develops and produces innovative transfection technologies. This
company is located in Nattermannallee, Germany.

Genzyme:
Genzyme's products are for treatment of inherited disorders, kidney diseases, cancer, etc.
The company is located in Cambridge, UK.

Biotechnology companies cater to the medical field with applications in


pharmacogenomics, drug production, genetic testing and gene therapy.

Evolution of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a very broad term which is applicable to old and new, sophisticated and
simple, familiar and strange applications of living organisms- anything from simple
fermentation to sophisticated gene therapy. The evolution of the biotechnology sector is as
follows:

Ancient Biotechnology: Biotechnology is as old as the ancient culture of Indians, Chinese,


Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Sumerians and other communities of the world. Use of
microorganisms for fermentation, domesticating animals for livestock, alcohol in the form of
wine and beer, herbal remedies and plant balms for treatment of wounds and ailments are a
few examples of ancient biotechnology

Pre-20th Century: Renaissance accelerated the pace of scientific discoveries in Europe.


Galileo, Copernicus, Leonardo Da Vinci were some of the renaissance leaders whose
knowledge extended over various branches of art, science and medicine. Microscope, first
cork cell, protozoa, smallpox vaccine, Darwin’s theory of evolution is some of the famous
discoveries relating to this very field.

20th Century: In early 20th century modern biotechnology movement started, particularly in
immunology and genetics. Penicillin, computers, discovery of DNA as the genetic basis, use
of bacteria to treat raw sewage (bioremediation project) are significant developments in this
direction. Revolution in forensics and biomedical science took place with the new lab
methods, such as DNA Sequencing, protein analysis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The
millennium ended with the introduction of first cloned sheep Dolly, debate over the ethical
issues relating to biotechnology, stem cell research, genetic testing and genetically modified
organisms.

21st Century-Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Cognitive and Information Sciences


(NBIC): 21st century started with the development of rough draft of human genome, or map
of human life. NBIC combines the knowledge of biotechnology generated in the past 30
years to develop abilities in computing advances (information technology), in manipulating
matters at atomic level (nanotechnology), and in understanding human brain (cognitive
sciences).

Information about Biocon


Biocon An Indian biotechnology company founded in 1978 by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw,
Biocon has world-class research outsourcing capabilities, US FDA-compliant bio-
manufacturing facilities and a self-financed R&D pipeline. It was included in ‘The best
under a billion’ listing by Forbes in 2009 and was adjudged the best listed company in the
Asia-Pacific region by BioSingapore based on its market capital, sound business model
and excellent management team in the same year.. Employing 4,500 people . it is
regarded as the 7th largest employer among the top 100 global biotechnology companies

Located in Bangalore, India, Biocon has two subsidiaries, Syngene, a custom research
organization, and Clinigene, a clinical research organization. Biocon’s presence straddles
four main therapeutic areas – Diabetology, Cardiology, Nephrology and Oncology – even
as it plans to introduce two new divisions, Comprehensive Care, and Immunotherapy,
this year.

Biocon’s cardiology, nephrology, diabetology and oncology products including


BESTOR®, BASALOGTM, BioMAb EGFR®, STATIX®, NUFIL safeTM, INSUGEN®,
TACROGRAFTM, ERYPRO safeTM, and MYOKINASETM are considerably less expensive
than other leading brands.Two of its novel programs on the verge of proof-of-concept
stage are IN-105, which is the only oral insulin in the world to be in long duration clinical
trials, and the T1h, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody (MAb), the only first-in-
class novel MAb being tested in India for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Between 2005 and 2010, Biocon entered into more than 2,200 high-value R&D licensing
and other deals within the pharmaceuticals and bio-pharmaceutical space. It has also
expanded its global footprint to emerging and developed markets through acquisitions,
partnerships and in-licensing. Biocon’s Corporate Social Responsibility wing, the Biocon
Foundation, is involved in numerous health and education outreach programs targeting
the underprivileged sections of India.

In 2009-10, Biocon’s net income increased 44% to Rs. 24,048 million, crossing the half-
billion-dollar mark and profits grew 215% to Rs. 2,933 million. The pharmaceutical
business exceeded Rs. 200,871 million in revenue and the net R&D expenditure
increased to Rs. 917 million, growing 42% over 2008 and up 282% over 2005, while its
research services business crossed Rs. 2,807 million.

Biocon, Syngene and Clinigene together employ approximately 4,500 personnel


including biologists, chemists, medical practitioners, pharmacologists, engineers,
finance/legal/marketing analysts, HR generalists and general administrators. Around 6%
of its employees have PhD degrees, 45% have a master’s degree, and 33% are graduates.
Biocon also collaborates with educational institutes to make courses more industry
oriented.

Biocon’s portfolio consists of 36 key brands across the four therapeutic divisions of
Diabetology, Nephrology, Oncology and Cardiology.

Diabetology

This is the oldest of Biocon’s four divisions and has acquired 10% of the market share in
the Indian insulin segment through its flagship product INSUGEN® which has since been
introduced into several overseas markets. In 2009, the division launched its first insulin
analog, BASALOGTM, in the Indian market. It can be used just once a day and is
effective for 24 hours. Both INSUGEN® and BASALOGTM are being developed for
registration in Europe and USA between 2012 and 2016. BLISTO-MFTM and
METADOZE-IPR® are Biocon’s oral anti-diabetic formulations while OLISATTM is an
oral anti-obesity formulation.

Nephrology

ERYPRO safeTM (erythropoietin) is among the top 5 brands in the 30-brand EPO market.
RENODAPT®, Biocon’s premium immunosuppressant, mycophenolatemofetil ranks 4th
among 25 brands, while the newly introduced immunosuppressant, tacrolimus branded
TACROGRAFTM is 3rd among 20 brands. Biocon has newly launched dosage forms like
TACROGRAFTM 3 mg, RENODAPT® 750 mg, RENODAPT®-S 540 mg and
RAPACANTM 2 mg to suit Indian patient needs through ideal dosage, enhanced
compliance and reduced pill burden. In 2009, Biocon launched a specially formulated
protein supplement, NARITA+TM in the renal nutrition segment, for dialysis patients
suffering from malnutrition.

Oncology
This division’s BIOMAb EGFR®, approved in 22 countries, is a successful formulation
for indications like head-and-neck cancers, both adult and paediatric glioma, and
nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Abraxane®, launched in July 2008, is being used to treat
metastatic breast cancer and also other tumors such as pancreatic cancer, non-small cell
lung cancer and ovarian cancer. It is a first-in-class, innovative treatment regimen
designed to address unmet needs associated with solvent-based paclitaxel such as
hypersensitivity reactions, increased myelosuppression and axonal degeneration. NUFIL
safeTM for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is among the top 10
brands in the filgrastim segment.

Cardiology

With major brands like STATIX® (anti-cholesterol) and TELMISAT® (anti-


hypertensive), Biocon’s cardiology division is now ranked number 22nd in its
representative market. Biocon’s CLOTIDETM is the leading eptifibatide brand in India
and MYOKINASETM (met-free streptokinase) is a life-saving injectable. Other brands
like ACTIBLOKTM-IPR (metoprolol) and the newly launched BESTOR® (rosuvastatin)
and BRADIATM (ivabradine) are also from this division.

Apart from these oral insulin, anti-CD6, targeted immune-conjugates, anti-CD20, peptide
hybrid, biosimilarMAbs and insulin analogs are under various stages of development.

The complete list of Biocon’s products is as follows: STATIX® (controls elevated


cholesterol levels), STATIX®-F (corrects cholesterol levels in diabetic dyslipidemics),
STATIX® -EZ (controls extremely high levels of cholesterol), TELMISATTM(offers 24-
hour blood pressure control), TELMISATTM-H (for uncontrolled hypertension),
TELMISAT® AM (for diabetic hypertensives), ACTIBLOKTM-IPR (for patients of
hypertension, angina, IHD and heart failure), ACTIBLOKTM AM (for uncontrolled
hypertension), BESTOR® (for the management of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis),
BRADIATM (for the management of stable angina), THINRINTM (for early and long-term
risk reduction in high risk ACS patients), CLASPRIN® (for early and long-term risk
reduction in high risk ACS patients), ZARGO® (reduces high blood pressure), ZARGO® -
H (reduces high blood pressure), ZIGPRIL® (for patients with risk of CVD),
MYOKINASETM (for patients of acute myocardial infarction), DYNALIX® (for patients
of acute coronary syndrome and prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis), CLOTIDETM (for
patients of acute coronary syndrome, undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions),
INSUGEN® -R (Regular), INSUGEN® -N(NPH) and INSUGEN® -30/70 & 50/50 (for
diabetes, useful when oral agents fail to control blood glucose levels), BASALOGTM (for
diabetes mellitus, for 24-hour basal insulin action), BLISTOTM (increases Insulin
secretion in Type 2 diabetes by stimulating pancreas), BLISTOTM- 1MF/2MF/4MF (for
type 2 diabetes, when blood glucose is not controlled with a single medication),
METADOZE®-IPR (improves action of insulin in type 2 diabetes), TriGPMTM-1/2 (a
triple drug combination for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes), ZUKERTM-MF
(comprehensively controls hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes), PIODART® (helps insulin
work better in Type 2 Diabetes), PIODART®-MF (improves blood sugar control when
not controlled by monotherapy), OLISATTM (weight reducer), GABILTM (for diabetic
neuropathy), GMABTM Plus (nutritional supplement), ERYPRO safeTM (for the treatment
of patients with anemia due to chronic renal failure, either on dialysis or non-dialysis),
ERYPROTM (for the treatment of patients with anemia due to chronic renal failure, either
on dialysis or non-dialysis), TACROGRAFTM (for prophylaxis of transplant rejection in
organ transplantation and as a rescue therapy in patients with rejection episodes),
RENODAPT®-S (for prophylaxis of transplant rejection in organ transplantation and as a
rescue therapy in patients with rejection episodes), RENODAPT® (in prophylaxis of
transplant rejection in organ transplantation and as a rescue therapy in patients with
rejection episodes), CYCLOPHIL METM (in prophylaxis of allograft rejection in kidney
transplantation and as a rescue therapy in patients with rejection episodes), CYCLOPHIL
METM (ORAL SOLUTION) (in prophylaxis of transplant rejection in organ
transplantation and as a rescue therapy in patients with rejection episodes), NaritaTM+ (for
patients who need high protein supplementation), RAPACANTM (prevention of rejection
and rescue therapy for rejection in renal transplantation), biOSEVTM (for the management
of hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients), CeRACaLTM (for the treatment of secondary
hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients), BIOMAb EGFR® (humanized monoclonal
antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor indicated for its use in head-and-
neck cancer), Abraxane® (for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination
chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant
chemotherapy), ERYPRO safeTM (for the treatment of chemotherapy induced anaemia),
NUFIL safeTM (for the treatment of chemotherapy induced neutropenia), NUFILTM (for
the treatment of chemotherapy induced neutropenia)

Customers of BIOCON
BIOCON is a leading distributor in the global life science, research and pharma industry
with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India. BIOCON's business is highly
diversified across products and services, geographic regions and customer segments. The
company offers products from a wide range of manufacturers, to a large number of
customers primarily in Asia Pacific locations.

BIOCON's principal customers are major pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical,


technology, clinical, food processing companies, universities and research institutes,
governmental agencies, environmental testing organizations and tertiary schools.
BIOCON distributes a diversified products, includes Media, equipment and instruments,
furniture, protective apparel, production and safety products and other life science and
laboratory products and supplies.

BIOCON supports its customers by providing inventory management, product


procurement, supply chain systems integration and technical services. BIOCON
maintains operations over 5 countries and employs over 100 people worldwide. BIOCON
International is headquartered in Singapore.
Materials Science and Engineering: Biotechnology and
Biomaterials
Bioengineers, biomedical engineers, medical device designers, doctors and other medical
and biotechnology professionals rely on materials scientists to help with design and
synthesis of new materials and materials systems that are suitable for medical implants.
This could include bio-inorganic hybrid systems such as BioMEMS, implants (such as
dental materials, cardiac stents made of shape memory alloys, and drug releasing
hydrogels), and biomimetic systems, which can mimic the functioning of biological
systems.

Many of the challenges in producing new medical devices and medical implants center
around materials. There's no shortage of innovative ideas, but they can't become reality
without biocompatible, functional materials. If you want to be at the foundation of
bioengineering and biomedical engineering, materials science is a great place to be!

How is MSE@UMD Working with Biotechnology and Biomaterials?

• Creating Longer-Lasting Joint Replacements: Professor S. Ankem has


developed a technique in which "micropores" are made on the surface of a metal
bone implant such as a replacement hip joint. The tiny indentations create a much
larger surface area for the patient's bone cells to cling to, which results in the
implant staying in place and functioning longer. More »
• Improving MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and X-Ray Technology:
Professor Oded Rabin is improving contrast agents, the chemicals given to a
patient before an imaging procedure to help improve the quality of the images.
His new contrast agents are made out of tiny nanoparticles that can be suspended
in serum or inhaled as aerosols, and travel through the body to the specific organ
doctors would like to image. The nanoparticle agents can also dramatically
improve the capabilities of existing technology: Dr. Rabin has devised a
nanoparticle-based formulation that can be used to image blood vessels and
internal organs using x-rays, which can normally show only bone!
• Discovering New Drugs: Professor Gary Rubloff is part of a team of researchers
developing a new "biochip" technology that promises to give doctors a new way
to discover drugs to treat bacterial infections—without stimulating resistance-
building mutations. More »
• Understanding Biomolecules to Improve Medical Treatments: Professor and
Chair Robert M. Briber is using x-ray and neutron scattering techniques to probe
the shape and dynamics of biological molecules. In one study, his research group
is discovering how certain RNA molecules fold up into a unique structure in order
to catalyze chemical reactions in our cells. Understanding this biophysical process
in detail will play an important role in the development of RNA-based gene
therapy. In another project, Dr. Briber is exploring the use of a synthetic silk-
elastin bipolymer for drug delivery. Drug molecules are suspended in the
material, which is injected as a liquid where the drug is needed. Once inside the
body, the bipolymer turns into a gel, keeping the drug from dispersing. Neutron
scattering is used to understand the gelling process and how the silk-elastin
interacts with the drugs it carries.
• Creating Better Materials for Heart Health: Stents are biomedical devices used
to reopen and keep open blocked coronary arteries, helping to prevent heart
attacks and strokes. They are considered effective alternatives to open heart
surgery and balloon angioplasty. Professor Ichiro Takeuchi is using a
combinatorial approach to discover a shape memory alloy that can be used to
develop a new, novel stent material. At room temperature, this stent would be
compact, making it easier to be inserted into blood vessels. Once implanted, the
patient's body temperature would cause it to automatically expand and open the
clogged artery.

Biocon Ltd
BSE: 532523 | NSE: BIOCON | ISIN: INE376G01013
Market Cap: [Rs.Cr.] 8,892 | Face Value: [Rs.] 5
Industry: Pharmaceuticals - Indian - Bulk Drugs & Formln

Raw Materials

Product Name Unit Quantity Value (Rs.cr) Cost(Rs.) / Unit


Enzymes & Chemicals Kg 37,574,109.00 543.58 144.67
BioPharmaceuticals- Purchases Kg 71208 32.17 4,517.75
Packing Material NA 0.00 10.56 -
Adjustment NA 0 0.00 -
Fish Maws Kg 0.00 0.00 -
Biochemicals & Enzymes Traded Kg 0 0.00 -
Biochemicals & Enzymes Traded No 0.00 0.00 -
BioPharmaceuticals- Purchases No 87068911 0.00 0.00
Purchase & Finished Goods NA 0.00 0.00 -
Others NA 0 0.00 -
Duty drawback NA 0.00 0.00 -
Products & Services

% Inst. Sales
% of Sales
Product Name Unit Cap. Prod. Prodn Sales Qty (Rs.) /
Stock (Cr.)
Util. Cap Unit
Pharmaceutical 100. 11,779,97 1,051.4 929.2
Kg 88.1 0 11,314,663
Preparations 0 3 2 5
Pharmaceutical 102,307,81
No 8.9 0.0 0 0 106.68 10.43
Products-Traded 3
Contract Research Fees NA 2.9 0.0 0 0 0 35.01 -
Others NA 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.00 -
Excise Duty NA 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.00 -
Enzymes Kg 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.00 -
Enzymes - Traded Kg 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0.00 -

Market growth rate of Biocon


The Indian biotech sector, considered the new sunrise industry, is estimated to have raked
in revenues totalling Rs 1,830 crore in the year 2002-03. A survey by ABLE (Association
of Biotechnology Led Enterprises) and Biospectrum finds that biotech exports crossed Rs
975 crore last fiscal and investments in the sector topped Rs 600 crore. The report says
the industry in 2003-04 will register 25-30 per cent growth and investments double in the
next two years. Of the total market of Rs 1,830 crore, the biopharma sector accounted for
70 per cent of the market share, with total sales touching Rs 1,275 crore. Vaccines,
therapeutics, diagnostics and animal health care products form the key products. The
bioindustrial segment, consisting of enzymes, organic amino acids, and yeast and yeast-
based products, accounted for 13 per cent market share with total sales in excess of Rs
235 crore. Bio services such as clinical research, contract research and contract
manufacturing accounted for 7 per cent of the market share with Rs 135 crore in
revenues. The bioagri market, consisting of Bt cotton in the seeds category and
biopesticides and biofertilisers, with a total share of 6 per cent accounted for Rs 110
crore. The hybrid seeds market was estimated at about Rs 180 crore . The Bio.IT market
was estimated at Rs 75 crore. The biotech pie changes significantly if the supplier's
market is taken into account, the survey said. It is the second largest market after
biopharma with total sales of Rs 475 crore. Exports, accounting for 53 per cent of total
revenues, were a major factor contributing to industry growth. Biopharma, bioservices,
and bioinformatics mprkets saw significant exports. The total investment in the industry
in 2002-03 was Rs 635 crore, up from Rs 505 crore the previous year. Manpower
employed during the year grew 68 per cent (to 6,400), over the previous year.

Bangalore: There is now no dispute as to which is the biotechnology capital of India. The
Association of Biotech-Led Enterprises (ABLE) survey has found Bangalore to be the
most powerful biotech city in the country with 28 companies rooted here, generating
revenues worth Rs 500 crore in 2002-03. Bangalore is followed by the Mumbai/ Pune
belt with 32 companies accounting for revenues of Rs 480 crore. The 32 companies are
largely made up of equipment suppliers to agri-bio and biopharma companies. Delhi
comes third with revenues of Rs 370 crore, hosting 23 companies. Bangalore's
information technology rival Hyderabad is in the fourth place with biotech revenues' of
Rs 200 crore from 21 companies. The Ahmedabadi/ Vadodara/ lndore belt is No.' 5 with
revenues of Rs 80 crore from 7 companies and Chennai took the sixth place with 11
companies together earning over Rs 60 crore. South-based companies account for nearly
39 per cent of the business done. The reason for the South's dominance is partly on
account of Biocon, 'which is 1.5 times larger than the next competitor.

Biocon Limited - Financial Analysis Review


Biocon Limited (Biocon) is a fully integrated healthcare company engaged in the manufacturing of
biopharmaceutical products through using fermentation-based technology. The company
produces wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), branded formulations and
biologicals. Its core therapeutic areas include anti-diabetic, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory,
anti-obesity, hemostatic, hepatoprotective, gastro-intestinal, neutraceuticals, digestive-aid
enzymes, immunosuppressants and anti-oxidants.

Global Markets Direct’s ""Biocon Limited - Financial Analysis Review” is an in-depth business and
financial analysis of Biocon Limited. The report provides a comprehensive insight into the
company, including business structure and operations, executive biographies and key
competitors. The hallmark of the report is the financial analysis of the company. This highlights
the company’s ratio analysis for the past five years.

And More inside the report…

Recent Developments

Dec 10, 2009: Biocon, HCG Group of Hospitals Collaborate To Fight Cervical Cancer
Oct 26, 2009: Biocon Reports Profits Of INR74 crore
Sep 11, 2009: Biocon Seals Development, Commercialisation Agreement With Amylin

Scope

- Provides key company information for business intelligence needs


- The report contains critical company information – business structure and operations, the
company history, major products and services, key competitors, key employees and executive
biographies, different locations and important subsidiaries.
- The report provides detailed financial ratios for the past five years as well as interim ratios for
the last fourinterim periods.
- Financial ratios include profitability, margins and returns, liquidity and leverage, financial position
and efficiency ratios.

Reasons to buy
- A quick “one-stop-shop” to understand the company.
- Enhance business/sales activities by understanding customers’ businesses better.
- Get detailed information and financial analysis on companies operating in your industry.
- Identify prospective partners and suppliers – with key data on their businesses and locations.
- Compare your company’s financial trends with those of your peers / competitors.
- Scout for potential acquisition targets, with insight into the companies’ financial performance.

Biotech Trends Update


Two 9-figure announcements this week mark a turning point for the biosimilars market,
and one highlights the increasingly important role India plays in innovation.

1. Pfizer linked up with India’s Biocon in a deal that will see Biocon take the lead in
development of four biosimilar insulin products that gives Biocon $200 million
up front. Coverage of the deal in the Business Standard highlights the country’s
overall strength in biosimilars, which fall midway between new molecule
development and small molecule generics in terms of the R&D and
manufacturing sophistication required. Biocon cites the deal as proof that India
can move up the value chain, doing for biosimilars what it did for generics. This
is especially true if they continue to attract backing and partnerships from the
Pfizers of the world.
2. Novartis’ generics unit, Sandoz, reported Q3 revenues of $292 million from a
single biosimilar product — enoxaparin, a copy of Sanofi-Aventis’ anticoagulant
Lovenox — which is not expected to hit blockbuster status in its own right. As we
have noted before, the high level of expertise required to make biosimilars creates
a high barrier to entry and contributes to the field’s attractiveness to traditional
pharmas (e.g., Pfizer, above) as well as to the major generics players.
FierceBiotech notes further growth is expected as the first biosimilar antibodies
hit the market in 2014-2015.

The Economist picked up the relevant trends in an article today entitled “Attack of the
Biosimilars“:

1) “Innovator” pharmas are moving into the biosimilars business, reversing their recent
role as the predominant plaintiffs in IP litigation:

“…it is ironic that the next great opportunity for traditional drugs firms is to do to the
biotechnology interlopers exactly what the generics firms have done to them: shred their
profit margins with cheaper copies…”

2) India in moving up the innovation value chain, increasing that country’s incentive to
protect IP more forcefully:

“And as if to remind the world that new ideas don’t all come from America, it is the
Indian firm that will design and manufacture the original drugs; Pfizer will only market
them.”
Bottom line: biosimilars are at least as big a business as predicted. This success is
another challenge to the concept that pharma’s patent cliff challenge will be met by more
in-licensing from small biotechs or by increased R&D spending. Revenue is revenue, and
biosimilars are poised to generate lots more of it.

Social responsibility of Biocon


"We focus on disease prevention, improved healthcare facilities and child education. This
three-pronged strategy will go a long way in improving the lives of India's rural
communities."
– Rani Desai, Head Biocon Foundation

At Biocon, we believe our investment in better healthcare must go beyond developing


new medicine to making medical assistance accessible to less advantaged, rural
communities of India. Executing our corporate-social responsibility through the Biocon
Foundation, we have adopted an integrated outreach strategy that focuses on social
change and empowerment of rural communities through public health, sanitation and
education programs.

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