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Glaxo
earmarks Rs 18,000 cr for genomic research
Gireesh
Chandra Prasad G I - New Delhi
 Global
pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has earmarked a whopping sum
of Rs 18,000 crores for developing genomic drug targets in two major
disease segments, viz., obesity and oncology.
The company has already identified genomic targets for obesity,
colon cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. This
long-term project is expected to reach fruition by 2005 when the
company expects to market the first genomic drug, a Glaxo India
official told Express Pharma Pulse.
Another promising candidate for GSK is a product for septic shock.
The compound GR 270773, which is soon to enter phase 2 trials, has
been licensed from New York-based Sepsicure. The company aims to
launch the product in the international markets by 2004.
Back home, in India, Glaxo India (yet to be merged with SmithKline
Pharma) is planning to launch two combination vaccines in the near
future. One of them is ‘Twin Rix’, a combination for hepatitis-A
and B, which is expected by the end of 2001 or in the first quarter
of 2002. The other vaccine is a combination of DPT vaccine and hepatitis-B
vaccine, it is learn't.
Recently, Glaxo laun-ched its smoking cessation
pill bupropion hydrochloride SR under the
trade name Zyban.
Though the drug is launched in the country only as a prescription
medication for smoking cessation, bupropion is also seen useful
in smokers suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
(COPD). Since the drug is used in over eighty countries, the Company
is planning to seek special permission from the DCGI to market the
drug for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well. However,
sources said that this may be attempted only after six months from
now.
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