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Company Watch
India launch of breast cancer drug Abraxane
Our News Bureau - Mumbai
 Biocon
has joined hands with Abraxis BioScience for the launch of Abraxane (paclitaxel
albumin-bound particles for injectable suspension) in India. Abraxane is developed
for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination therapy for
metastatic disease or relapse within six months of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Abraxane is now available in India as a single-use 100 mg vial (as a lyophilised
powder, to be reconstituted for intravenous administration).
In August 2007, Abraxis established a licensing agreement with Biocon for the
commercialisation of Abraxane in India. Under the terms of the agreement, Biocon
has the right to market Abraxane in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and certain other South Asian
and Persian Gulf countries. Subsequently, Abraxis received approval in October
2007 from India's Drug Controller General to market Abraxane in India.
"The launch of Abraxane in India represents a major strategic step in our
plan to provide safer and more effective cancer treatments on a global scale,"
said Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abraxis
BioScience. "In addition to India, our marketing agreement with Biocon
covers more than 10 countries, and we are working closely with national authorities
throughout the region to receive regulatory approvals and commence marketing
activities as soon as practicable." "This launch provides breakthrough
therapeutics to cancer patients in India," said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman
and Managing Director of Biocon. "Abraxane is a significant advance in
taxane therapy for the treatment of breast cancer. This unique product eliminates
the need for chemical solvents and allows for higher doses of paclitaxel without
compromising safety and tolerability. The launch of Abraxane reiterates our
belief in strategic licensing partnerships to advance therapeutics in India,
and we take great pride in providing oncologists in India with the latest treatment
in breast cancer," she concluded.
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