The centre is spread across 200,000 square feet and will include molecular biology, biologicals process science, formulations development, molecular characterisation and functional bioassay laboratories, as well as space for preclinical and clinical development groups.

Nobel Laureate Professor Kurt Wuthrich was present to inaugurate the centre, called the Biocon Research Centre (BRC), which aims to carry out ‘world class research on biologic[al]s that will address unmet medical needs.’

Biocon expects to recruit around 300 scientists to work at the BRC, who will be engaged in cutting edge biologicals research. According to Chairman and Managing Director of Biocon Group Ms Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon aims ‘to galvanize the best talent available both in India and from across the globe, and offer them an intellectually stimulating environment combined with an enabling ecosystem to conduct path breaking research for biopharmaceuticals.’

BRC will also include an independent quality group, which will ensure compliance to Good Laboratory Practices and international regulatory guidelines for developing ‘best in class’ biologicals and biosimilars.

Biocon, which was established in 1978, is India’s largest biologicals company by revenue and one of the most advanced Indian players in the biosimilars field [1]. There are already more than 40 biologicals marketed in India, of which 25 are biosimilars. Acceptance of biosimilars in India is high and substitution is automatic, leading to speculation that India could be getting ready to dominate the global biosimilars market [2].

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References

1.  GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Hurdles to biosimilars in Asia [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2012 Apr 23]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/General/Hurdles-to-biosimilars-in-Asia

2.  GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biotech growth and biosimilar opportunities in India [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2012 Apr 23]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/General/Biotech-growth-and-biosimilar-opportunities-in-India