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Biocon
Biocon
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Market
Several years ago The Economist had predicted
that the 21st century would belong to
developments in biology. That prophecy is
already coming to pass in the first decade itself.
From diagnosis to treatment, biotechnology is
delivering on its promise of revolutionising
research and development and creating
innovative medicines.
Worldwide the biotechnology industry is
expected to grow at a compounded annual
rate of between 6% and 9% through 2010,
determined by two realities: the ageing
population of the world and the rising demand
for a better quality of life. It is expected that the
emerging markets of Asia, Eastern Europe and
Latin America would be the main demand
creators (Source: industry data).
India is already a major biotech player in the
world. According to industry projections the
business has a potential of generating revenues
in excess of US$ 5 billion (Rs. 20,000 crore) and
creating one million skilled jobs by 2010.
In India, Biocon has been the driver of growth
in the biotechnology sector. As a researchdriven, global health care company with a
strong matrix of capabilities along the
biopharmaceutical value chain, Biocon offers
novel therapies, which stem from its focused
drive towards affordable innovation.
The company has a global
footprint that spans 75 countries,
with the US and the European
markets accounting for more than
35% of its worldwide sales.
For a country with a number of
sunrise industries, biotechnology is,
perhaps, Indias most important
development as it alone envelopes
the hope of bringing affordable
relief to a world plagued
with disease.
Achievements
With just three scientists at its
core, Biocon began commercial
operations in 1978 manufacturing
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History
If Biocon is credited with starting the biotechnology revolution in India then it is a matter
of record that this revolution started with a
modest capital of US$ 1000 (then Rs. 10,000)
on 29th November 1978 in a garage in
Bangalore. The company was incorporated
as a joint venture between a young woman
entrepreneur, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Biocon
Biochemicals, a small Irish company. Biocon
scripted a winning strategy by opting for
specialty, low volume, high value enzymes for
the food and beverage industry. This was a
radical departure from the prevailing practice
of supplying chemical process aids.
By the 1990s Bangalore was becoming the
knowledge capital of India. Seizing this emerging
opportunity Biocon set up Syngene in 1994. It
was Indias first contract research services
company in early stage drug discovery. It then
leveraged its fermentation-based enzyme
capabilities and entered the biopharmaceutical
space in 1998. It was here that Biocon launched
two important R&D programmes
for fermentation-based
cholesterol-reducing statins and
r-human insulin.
In 2000 Biocon promoted a
Clinical Research Organisation
(CRO), Clinigene, to plug a large
regulatory gap in clinical
development. The CRO created
in-house capabilities for clinical
development and also provided
clinical services to third
parties, thus making it into
a profit centre.
As technology progressed
and antibodies came to be
recognised as a new class of
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Product
Promotion
Recent Developments
In 2007, Biocon established Indias first
biotechnology Special Economic Zone in
Bangalore at a cost of approximately US$ 200
million (Rs. 800 crore). Spread over 90 acres,
Biocon Park is an integrated biopharmaceutical
Brand Values
The name Biocon and the companys
promise The difference lies in our DNA
are tied to the Groups identity and
commitment to good science. They
communicate
dynamism,
cutting edge
technology,
research and
development
and innovation.
Biocons rise
to eminence is
reflected in the
building blocks
of life itself
the DNA helix.
In its infinite,
outward spiral,
the double
helix symbolises
the companys
mission to grow into a leading
biopharmaceutical enterprise of global
distinction. In its counter-form the Biocon
mnemonic resembles the letter B, reinforcing
the close relationship that exists between
Biocon and biotechnology.
The Biocon Foundation fulfils the companys
corporate social responsibility by making
available medical assistance to the less
advantaged, rural communities of India. The
companys brand values are reinforced through
an integrated outreach strategy that focuses on
social change and empowerment of rural
communities through public health, sanitation
and education programmes.
www.biocon.com
Biocon
Biocon is Indias most admired biotechnology
company
The development and pioneering spirit of
Biocon is a case study at business schools at
Universities such as Harvard and Oxford
The Biocon IPO was oversubscribed 33 times;
it was only the second Indian company to cross
the US$ 1 billion (Rs. 4000 crore) mark on day
one of listing at the bourses
Biocon was India's first biotech company and
had a global rank of sixteen (Source:
Biospectrum, July 2004)
Nobel Laureate Prof. James D Watson visited
Biocon on 9th January 1999
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India,
inaugurated Biocon Park in June 2006
Biocon is the first Indian company to launch an
indigenously developed proprietary anti-cancer
drug to the Indian market in 2006 BIOMAb
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