Biocon Limited, India’s pioneering biotechnology company has announced the launch of a Safety Device inthe form of pre-filled syringes for two of its life saving products, GCSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) and EPO (Erythropoietin). This innovative product has been launched in collaboration with Safety Syringes Inc. and is being introduced for the first time in India. ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™ will be the first two drugs that will be marketed using this novel device with other injectable products to follow in the future.

Pre-filled syringes are advantageous for self-injecting patients. This allows patients a high degree of flexibility, independence and simple handling in a home setting. Biocon’s pre-filled syringe device incorporates features that provide for simple and safe handing, a discrete appearance of the injector and a retractable needle that reduces the chances of injuries during injection. The device is tamper proof and ensures that the syringe is non-reusable thus ensuring safety of the highest order. Biocon has decided to launch two of its lifesaving drugs using this novel device viz. ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™ .

• ERYPRO Safe™ 2000IU MRP – 715 (Incl Tax)
• ERYPRO Safe™ 3000IU MRP - 975 (Incl Tax)
• ERYPRO Safe™ 4000IU MRP –1295 (Incl Tax)
• ERYPRO Safe™ 5000IU MRP – 1465 (Incl Tax)
• ERYPRO Safe™ 10000IU MRP – 2995 (InclTax)
• NUFILSafe™ 0.5ml MRP -1975 (Incl Tax)

Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman and ManagingDirector, Biocon Limited said, “In line with our philosophy of differentiation, we are pleased to introduce ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™ as pre-filled syringes with advanced safety features. Safety Syringes Inc. of USA have developed a novel pre-filled device that enhances safety and convenience of use. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with themand introduce this proprietary device to the Indian market for the first time which will greatly benefit Indian patients.”

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rakesh Bamzai, President, Marketing, Biocon Limited said,“Biocon is committed to cater to the needs of patients across the country and this technology will be advantageous to our patients. The launch of this new drug delivery system is significant as it allows for product differentiation inthe market. This also means simplified drug administration and better patientcompliance. With this launch, Biocon has placed great emphasis on the safety of patients and the medical fraternity involved in the administration of ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™.We are excited about our collaboration with Safety Syringes Inc. and will look at making other products available inthis format.”

“We are very pleased to add Biocon Limited as our newest valued pharma partner. The introduction of the ERYPRO Safe™ and NUFIL Safe™– the UltraSafe Passive® Delivery System – represents a significant advantage for Biocon over other drug delivery devices for prefilled syringe presentations.”added Mr. Mark Hassett, Executive Vice President, Safety Syringes Inc.

Biocon Limited will also look at launching this product in other markets in the comingmonths.

The pharmaceutical industry has registered an increasing demand in the market segment of pre-filled syringe systems over the past ten years. These systems have the endorsement of healthcare professionals worldwide.There is a growing trend of injectable drugs moving into the pre-filled syringe as a presentation format. Worldwide, prefilled syringe volumes have reached more than two billion units. The opportunity for Indian biotech companies inpre-filled syringes is immense as India is being viewed as alow-cost, high-quality manufacturing base. It has the largest number of USFDA approved plants outside the US.

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