Biocon hits bulls eye with psoriasis drug in the making

Biocon, Asia’s premier biotechnology company has announced positive results from its Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Phase 3, TREAT-PLAQ Study with Itolizumab in chronic plaque psoriasis. Itolizumab, the first humanized anti CD-6 monoclonal antibody, successfully met the pre-specified primary endpoint of significant improvement in PASI-75 (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) score after 12 weeks of treatment in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared to placebo. It also met multiple secondary endpoints after 12 and 28 weeks of treatment, says a Biocon press release.

Expressing her excitement at the outcome of the study Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman & Managing Director, Biocon said, “Itolizumab represents a significant advancement in the treatment of psoriasis and potentially other autoimmune diseases with an excellent risk-benefit profile. This could possibly become the first novel biologic developed and approved from India and is an important milestone for Biocon in its pursuit of affordable innovation. We look forward to taking this molecule to the market across multiple indications with a global partner to ensure that affordable innovation reaches patients worldwide in a timely manner.”