Biocon - Biocon launches ‘ERYPRO Safe™’ and ‘NUFIL Safe™’ Pre-filled Syringes in collaboration with Safety Syringes Inc., USA

Bangalore: June 4, 2008: Biocon Limited, India’s pioneering biotechnology company has announced the launch of a Safety Device in the form of pre-filled syringes for two of its life saving products, GCSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) and EPO (Erythropoietin). This innovative product has been launched in collaboration with Safety Syringes Inc. and is being introduced for the first time in India. ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™ will be the first two drugs that will marketed using this novel device with other injectable products to follow in the future.

Pre-filled syringes are advantageous for self-injecting patients. This allows patients a high degree of flexibility, independence and simple handling in a home setting. Biocon’s pre-filled syringe device incorporates features that provide for simple and safe handing, a discrete appearance of the injector and a retractable needle that reduces the chances of injuries during injection. The device is tamper proof and ensures that the syringe is non-reusable thus ensuring safety of the highest order. Biocon has decided to launch two of its life saving drugs using this novel device viz. ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™ . These products will be available across the country at the prices listed in the table below.

ERYPRO Safe™
2000IU
MRP – 715 (Incl Tax)

ERYPRO Safe™
3000IU
MRP - 975 (Incl Tax)

ERYPRO Safe™
4000IU
MRP – 1295(Incl Tax)

ERYPRO Safe™
5000IU
MRP – 1465 (Incl Tax)

ERYPRO Safe™
10000IU
MRP – 2995(Incl Tax)

NUFIL Safe™ 0.5ml
MRP -1975 (Incl Tax)



Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon Limited said, “In line with our philosophy of differentiation, we are pleased to introduce ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™ as pre-filled syringes with advanced safety features. Safety Syringes Inc. of USA have developed a novel pre-filled device that enhances safety and convenience of use. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with them and introduce this proprietary device to the Indian market for the first time which will greatly benefit Indian patients.”

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rakesh Bamzai, President, Marketing, Biocon Limited said, “Biocon is committed to cater to the needs of patients across the country and this technology will be advantageous to our patients. The launch of this new drug delivery system is significant as it allows for product differentiation in the market. This also means simplified drug administration and better patient compliance. With this launch, Biocon has placed great emphasis on the safety of patients and the medical fraternity involved in the administration of ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™. We are excited about our collaboration with Safety Syringes Inc. and will look at making other products available in this format.”

“We are very pleased to add Biocon Limited as our newest valued pharma partner. The introduction of the ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™– the UltraSafe Passive® Delivery System – represents a significant advantage for Biocon over other drug delivery devices for prefilled syringe presentations.” added Mr. Mark Hassett, Executive Vice President, Safety Syringes Inc.

Biocon Limited will also look at launching this product in other markets in the coming months.

The pharmaceutical industry has registered an increasing demand in the market segment of pre-filled syringe systems over the past ten years. These systems have the endorsement of healthcare professionals worldwide. There is a growing trend of injectable drugs moving into the pre-fill syringe as a presentation format. Worldwide, prefilled syringe volumes have reached more than two billion units. The opportunity for Indian biotech companies in pre-filled syringes is immense as India is being viewed as a low-cost, high-quality manufacturing base. It has the largest number of USFDA approved plants outside the US.

About Safety Syringes, Inc.

Safety Syringes, Inc., headquartered in Carlsbad, California, develops and manufactures delivery systems for vaccines, low molecular weight heparins, epoetins, and other medicines including many of the newer biotechnology drugs.
Safety Syringes offers proven and preferred drug delivery systems for a full range of prefilled glass syringe presentations ranging from 0.5mL to 2.25mL and for use with staked needle, luer lock and luer slip configurations.
The UltraSafe Passive® Delivery System is overwhelmingly chosen by leading pharmaceutical companies around the world for ease of use and protection against needle stick injuries.




Link to the article: http://www.biocon.com/biocon_inv_press_releases_jun04.asp