Biocon joins hands with US company Amylin for diabetes drug

Biocon has put the development of its diabetes drug on the fast track by teaming up with US-based biopharma player Amylin Pharmaceuticals. The companies have entered into an exclusive co-development and marketing partnership for a peptide hybrid or phybrid. This phybrid will combine properties of two peptides — essentially small proteins — into one molecule to treat diabetes. For instance, this bi-functionality could lower glucose levels as well as induce weight loss.

Against using single properties on their own, this technology is likely to give a differentiated clinical outcome by enabling the interplay of two peptides with dual benefits (like lower sugar level and weight loss).

Amylin Pharmaceuticals has been a front-runner in the field of peptide therapeutics and a leader in the diabetes market. The Kiran Mazumdar Shaw-led Biocon will in turn bring its recombinant knowledge, large-scale manufacturing and low-cost pre-clinical and clinical development to the partnership.