BIOCON'S BIOMAB READY FOR MARKET

BioMab EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), developed by Indian drugmaker Biocon, has been made available for sale in the country. The drug is a monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, brain tumors, and colorectal and pancreatic cancer. BioMab was approved by Indian regulatory authorities earlier this month.

There are currently 17 monoclonal antibody products in the global market, including two blockbuster drugs -- rituximab, sold under the brand name Rituxan by Biogen Idec for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Herceptin, developed by Genentech for solid tumors.

The market for MAbs is estimated at approximately $8 billion and is expected to grow to $17 billion in 2008.