In order to tap the $35 billion oncology (cancer treatment) market globally, Indian drug makers including Ranbaxy, Dr Reddy?s, Biocon, and Dabur are planning to launch bio similar (biotech generic drugs) and chemical drugs in developed markets. Considering that the oncology segment is growing at about 20% per annum, drug makers are trying to exploit the opportunity both in the developed and the emerging markets.
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd recently upped its equity in Zenotech Laboratories and plans to use its distribution network to market bio similar drugs, developed by the latter, with focus on oncology. Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s, which has eight follow-on biologics in the pipeline, recently said it aims at launching one bio similar every year in the next few years. The company also said it would focus on drugs in the oncology segment.
?Cancer treatment is a huge market and low hanging fruits are the European Union and the emerging markets. We plan to introduce bio similar drugs in the European nations, subjected to all regulatory approvals, by 2010 end,? chief operating officer Ranbaxy laboratories Ltd Atul Sobti said.
European Union and emerging markets are the obvious choice as the US is yet to come out with a clear policy on the introduction on bio similar drugs, Sobti added. Domestic oncology market is to the tune of Rs 800 crore and is growing at a rate of about 18% per annum.
Bangalore-based Biocon Ltd is also believed to be in talks with Germany?s Bayer AG for co-development of innovative drugs. It has four experimental drugs in various stage of clinical development targeting cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
The facilities at Biocon Ltd, which are currently being used for its products such as recombinant human insulin, could also be used for its biotech products such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (used to accelerate cancer patients recovery), said Arun Chandavarkar chief operating officer Biocon Ltd.
Dabur Pharma would introduce over 25 new drugs in the US over the next five years. The company has already filed 10 abbreviated new dug applications with the US authorities and plan to introduce the products from its pipeline, a company official said.