Biocon and US-based CytoSorbents Corporation have entered into a strategic partnership with an initial distribution agreement for India and select emerging markets, under which Biocon will have the exclusive commercialisation rights for CytoSorb, a novel therapy for the management of sepsis.
CytoSorb is a safe and effective extracorporeal cytokine filter, designed to target the prevention or treatment of organ failure which is the cause of nearly half of all deaths in the intensive care unit. If left unchecked, ‘cytokine storm’ caused by excessive cytokine production can cause massive inflammation, organ failure and death in common life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, burn injury, trauma, lung injury, and pancreatitis. CytoSorb has CE Mark regulatory approval, and is clinically proven to control cytokine storm in critically-ill patients by reducing key cytokines in blood by 30-50 per cent. It also works easily with standard dialysis machines used in hospitals.
Biocon and CytoSorbents will initially focus on the treatment of sepsis, the end result of an excessive immune response to infection. The effective treatment of sepsis needs to address two components, the infection and the over-activation of the immune system. By combining Biocon’s critical care antibiotics to treat the infection that are also compatible with CytoSorb therapy to modulate the immune response, the two companies will be providing the most comprehensive solution for sepsis management in the market.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director, Biocon, said, “We believe our partnership with CytoSorbents will enable us to address the huge unmet need of sepsis management in India and emerging markets. CytoSorb is a ‘first-in-class’ therapy that can provide an effective solution to physicians to treat critically ill patients suffering from sepsis. This move reflects our commitment to bring differentiated products to India that will help address various healthcare challenges faced by millions of patients in our country.”
Rakesh Bamzai, President Marketing, Biocon, said, “CytoSorb is a safe and well–tolerated innovative therapy for managing cytokine storm in critically ill patients. Very high levels of cytokines are known to cause multiple organ failure, which is often life threatening. Through CytoSorb, we offer a promising treatment option to high risk patients in their fight against sepsis and other critical illnesses. We are confident that this will be a revolutionary tool for critical care specialists in sepsis treatment.”
Dr Phillip Chan, Chief Executive Officer and President, CytoSorbents, said, “We are pleased to enter into this initial agreement with Biocon and to bring our potentially life-saving therapy to the people of India and other emerging markets. Unlike any other previous approach, CytoSorb attacks sepsis from multiple angles, reducing cytokine storm, reducing many deadly bacterial toxins, and directing immune cells to target the infection while avoiding damage to otherwise healthy organs. When combined with Biocon’s critical care antibiotics, it is an ideal broad spectrum strategy to fight sepsis. Biocon is a perfect partner for CytoSorbents and CytoSorb as we share the same commitment to help patients with sepsis, and other life-threatening conditions. We expect adoption and sales of CytoSorb to benefit from Biocon’s strong regional sales and distribution network across India, and extensive equity with key opinion leaders.”
Chris Cramer, Vice President of Business Development, CytoSorbents said, “Biocon is an exceptionally strong partner for CytoSorbents with expertise in introducing innovative new therapies, like CytoSorb, into the hospital setting. Biocon’s network will enable rapid access, education, training, and support of physicians in the largest hospitals throughout India and other emerging markets. We are excited to be working with a leader like Biocon and look forward to supporting them in the successful launch of CytoSorb in these markets. This partnership has the potential to change the treatment of critical care illnesses such as sepsis, and we are confident that our work will lay the groundwork for an expanded partnership in the future.”
EP News Bureau – Mumbai