Company Watch

Intas and Kwizda complete phase I clinical trial

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

Intas Biopharmaceuticals Limited (IBPL) and Kwizda Pharma have jointly completed phase I clinical trial study of Neukine, biosimilar form of recombinant GCSF. As per results of study conducted by European counterpart, Neukine, IBPL's registered trademark for Filgrastim, is safe and exhibits an identical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile compared to a reference product. Neukine promotes growth of white blood cells, which help to fight infections after cancer chemotherapy treatment. Upon completion of an upcoming clinical phase III trial, both companies, IBPL and Kwizda, will lodge an application to get the product approved for European market. The market launch is planned for early 2010. As part of European application process, Kwizda and IBPL are working jointly on the clinical trials of Neukine. Announcing phase I results of clinical trials, Dr Helmut Brunar, VP (Research and Business Development), Kwizda Pharma, said, "Neukine exhibits identical efficacy to the EU-approved reference product. Not only was Neukine cleared from the patients' blood plasma just as quickly as the reference, but the number of neutrophils also increased with identical kinetics after treatment. We are very pleased with these results." The study was a single-dose, randomised, double blind, two-way crossover trial and used an active control.

Dr Dhananjay Patankar, Chief Technical Officer, IBPL, explained, "Over 3,000 cancer patients have already been treated with Neukine in India. No severe adverse reactions were reported. We are very confident that our joint clinical trials with Kwizda Pharma will demonstrate the quality of Neukine to the European authorities." Neukine (rHu GCSF) was the first drug introduced by IBPL in India and subsequently Erykine (rHu EPO), Intalfa (rHu IFN) and Neupeg (Peg GCSF) in domestic market and few international markets.

Commenting on the development, Mani Iyer, Director, IBPL, said, "The initial results of the study are very encouraging and it has given a strong advantage to IBPL as the company is looking to strengthen its presence in Europe. As part of its business strategy, IBPL is working with Kwizda Pharma, which is helping to secure EU approval and will provide support with marketing logistics. Kwizda Pharma has a well-established clinical background and extensive experience with regulatory procedures. As far as IBPL is concerned, Europe is an ideal market to serve the goal of developing innovative research technologies/new molecules related to biopharmaceuticals; evaluate technology platforms, identify partnership opportunities, in-licensable IPs; and to build up novel drug delivery systems."