Date:18/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/18/stories/2006091821890300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Cancer-fighting drug launched

Special Correspondent

Actor Shah Rukh Khan releases drug, BIOMab-EGFR, from Biocon Ltd.

NEW HOPE: Actor Shah Rukh Khan and Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw launching Biocon's cancer drug in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Bangalore: The cancer-fighting drug from Biocon Ltd., BIOMAb-EGFR, was formally released here on Sunday by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Recalling his father's fight against cancer, the actor said his message was "get yourself screened and change habits such as smoking, go for a healthier lifestyle and also seek early treatment.''

"I am trying to kick my smoking habit for the sake of my children. There may be mixed reaction to the ban on smoking in films but since a rule has been made it should be followed. I am told there are three million cases of cancer detected each year in our country; so whatever it takes to prevent it is good. Cancer can happen to the best of us.'' He was happy to learn that cancer medication now cost much less than when his father was afflicted.

Biocon Chairman and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said the drug would be priced at least 40 per cent less than similar medication from multinational pharmaceutical companies and the pricing is to be announced within weeks. "We are trying to get clearances for marketing the drug in the neighbouring countries and subsequently in the United States and Europe too,'' she replied to a question.

"Biocon invested more than Rs. 150 crore in developing BIOMAb-EGFR which is the largest for any drug under development from us. Cancer treatment awareness is as important as prevention, we feel,'' she added.

The drug is the first of its kind to be clinically developed in India and the first anti-EGFR humanised antibody for cancer to be made commercially available.

The drug targets human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) a type of protein found on the surface of both normal and cancer cells. Small proteins circulating in the blood, called Epidermal Growth Factors, bind with the EGFR. The binding action stimulates certain biological processes within the cell to promote cell growth in a controlled manner.

But, in many cancer cells, EGFR is overproduced, leading to their uncontrolled and abnormal growth.

This pivotal role of EGFR in malignant cell formation has prompted the development of biological agents, such as the new drug from Biocon, which disrupt and inhibit the EGFR signalling process.

The drug is indicated for use in combination with radiation or chemotherapy and trials found it effective in patients with head and neck cancer. The highest rates of head and neck cancers are reported in South Asian countries such as India and Sri Lanka. Smoking and chewing of tobacco in combination with excessive alcohol consumption are considered risk factors.