Biocon facts for kids
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Headquarters at Electronic City, Bangalore
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| Public | |
| Traded as | BSE: 532523 NSE: BIOCON |
| ISIN | ISIN: [https://isin.toolforge.org/?language=en&isin=INE376G01013 INE376G01013] |
| Industry | Biopharmaceutical |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw |
| Headquarters |
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India
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Key people
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Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Executive Chairperson) Peter Bains (CEO & Managing Director, Biocon Limited) Shreehas P Tambe (CEO & Managing Director, Biocon Biologics Limited) |
| Products | Biologics Small molecules Branded formulations Research services |
| Revenue |  ₹11,550 crore (US$2.0 billion) (FY2023) |
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Operating income
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₹2,888 crore (US$490 million) (FY2023) |
| ₹787 crore (US$130 million) (FY2023) |
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| Total assets | ₹52,044 crore (US$8.8 billion) (2023) |
| Total equity | ₹22,489 crore (US$3.8 billion) (2023) |
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Number of employees
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16,545 (Mar 2023) |
| Subsidiaries | Biocon Biologics Syngene International |
Biocon Limited is an Indian company that makes special medicines. It's called a biopharmaceutical company because it uses living things to create treatments. Biocon is based in Bangalore, India.
The company was started by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in 1978. Biocon makes different kinds of medicines. These include generic medicines (which are like cheaper versions of original drugs) and special biological medicines called biologics. They also make biosimilar insulins and antibodies. These medicines are sold in about 120 countries, including the United States and Europe. In India, Biocon sells its own branded medicines.
Biocon's medicines in India help with different health issues. These include problems with metabolism, cancer, immune system, and kidneys. Some of their well-known medicines are INSUGEN (for diabetes) and CANMAb (for breast cancer).
Syngene International Limited (Syngene) is a part of Biocon. It's a company that helps other businesses with research and development.
Contents
Biocon's Journey Through Time
Biocon started in 1978 with a small amount of money, about Rs.10,000. It was founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who was born in Bangalore.
Early Achievements
- In 1979, Biocon became the first Indian company to make and send enzymes to the US and Europe. Enzymes are special proteins that help with many body processes.
- In 1989, a big company called Unilever bought a part of Biocon. Later, Biocon got funding from the US for its new technologies.
- In 1994, Biocon created Syngene International. This new company focused on custom research for other businesses.
- By 1998, Biocon became fully independent again. Unilever sold its shares back to the Indian founders.
Breaking New Ground
- In 2001, Biocon was the first Indian company to get approval from the USFDA (a US health agency) to make a medicine called lovastatin.
- In 2003, Biocon made history by being the first company worldwide to develop human insulin using a special system called Pichia pastoris. Insulin is a vital medicine for people with diabetes.
- In 2006, Biocon launched BIOMAb EGFR. This was the first human-made antibody developed in India to treat head-and-neck cancer.
- Also in 2006, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, a former Indian president, opened "Biocon Park." This is India's largest biotech hub.
Growth and Partnerships
- In 2008, Biocon bought a large share (70%) of a German medicine company called AxiCorp GmbH.
- In 2009, Syngene and Bristol-Myers Squibb (a big US pharmaceutical company) set up a research center in Bengaluru.
- Later in 2009, Biocon teamed up with Mylan to enter the global market for generic biologics.
- In 2010, Biocon expanded to Malaysia. They built a new facility there for making medicines and doing research.
- In 2012, Abbott Laboratories (another major health company) worked with Syngene to open their first nutrition research center in India.
- In 2013, Biocon launched ALZUMAb, a biologic medicine to treat psoriasis (a skin condition).
- In 2014, Biocon launched CANMAb. This was the first biosimilar medicine to treat breast cancer.
- In 2015, Biocon launched a hepatitis-C medicine in India called CIMIVIR-L.
- In 2016, Biocon was the first Indian company to launch a biosimilar Insulin Glargine pen in Japan.
- Also in 2016, Syngene set up a research center for Amgen (a US biotech company) in Bangalore.
- In 2017, Biocon's Insugen medicine was approved for sale in Malaysia. It was the first locally made biosimilar there.
- In 2017, the USFDA approved Mylan-Biocon's biosimilar for the cancer medicine Herceptin.
- In 2018, Biocon and Mylan also got approval in Europe for their biosimilar insulin glargine.
- In 2021, Biocon Biologics and Serum Institute of India (a major vaccine maker) agreed to work together. Biocon sold 15% of its biologics part to Serum Institute. In return, Biocon gets 100 million vaccine doses each year for 15 years.
- In 2022, Biocon Biologics bought the biosimilar business of Viatris for $3.34 billion.
Meet the Leader: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon. She joined the company in 1978.
Her work in biotechnology has earned her global recognition. She has been called India's "biotech queen" by The Economist magazine. The New York Times called her India's "mother of invention."
She was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2010. This was not just for her work in biotech, but also for her efforts to help the community. Shaw is also on the Forbes list of "The World's 100 Most Powerful Women."
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has received many awards. These include the Nikkei Asia Prize and the 'Businesswoman of the Year' award from The Economic Times. She has also received two high Indian national awards: Padma Shri (in 1989) and Padma Bhushan (in 2005). These awards recognized her pioneering work in industrial biotechnology.
In 2019, Christiane Hamacher became the CEO of Biocon Biologic India Limited. Later that year, Siddharth Mittal took over as CEO and Joint Managing Director of Biocon.
Biocon's Family of Companies
Biocon has several important companies that are part of its group.
Biocon Biologics
Biocon Biologics is the part of Biocon that focuses on biosimilar medicines. In 2021, Biocon and Viatris got approval to launch Semglee. This was the first interchangeable biosimilar for diabetes in the United States.
In 2021, Biocon sold 15% of Biocon Biologics to Serum Institute of India. This deal was worth about $4.9 billion. In return, Biocon will get 100 million doses of vaccines every year for 15 years. These vaccines will mostly come from Serum Institute's new facility in Pune. Biocon will also have the rights to sell Serum Institute's vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, in international markets. In May 2022, Viatris sold its biosimilars business to Biocon Biologics for about $3.335 billion.
Syngene International Ltd
Syngene International Limited was started in 1993. It is a company that helps other businesses with research and development. Syngene focuses on research, innovation, and manufacturing services for its clients.
The company has four main areas:
- drug discovery services
- special research centers
- development devices
- manufacturing
Syngene works with many top global pharmaceutical companies. Their clients include Amgen, Zoetis, GlaxoSmithKline, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Syngene has been growing its operations. Since 2020, they have opened a research center in Hyderabad. They are also building a new manufacturing facility in Mangalore. Syngene also provides services for making biologic medicines.
In July 2022, Syngene signed a 10-year agreement with Zoetis. They will make a medicine called Librela (bedinvetmab). This medicine is a special monoclonal antibody used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. SynVent is Syngene's platform for discovering and developing new medicines. In September 2022, Biocon sold a small part (5.4%) of its shares in Syngene International.
Clinigene
Clinigene International Limited is a part of Syngene. It helps international pharmaceutical companies with clinical trials. These trials test new medicines on people.
BBPL
In 2003, Biocon created Biocon Biopharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (BBPL). This was a joint company with a Cuban institute called CIMAB. Their goal was to develop and sell special antibodies and cancer vaccines.
Biocon-AxiCorp
In 2008, Biocon bought a majority share (70%) in AxiCorp GmbH. This is a German company that sells medicines.
NeoBiocon
NeoBiocon FZ LLC was started in January 2008. It is a pharmaceutical company based in Abu Dhabi that focuses on research and marketing.
Biofusion Therapeutics Limited
This company was started in March 2021 and is 100% owned by Biocon.
Working Together: Strategic Partnerships
Biocon often partners with other companies to develop new medicines and reach more people.
Biocon and Amylin
In 2009, Biocon and Amylin Pharmaceuticals from the United States teamed up. They agreed to develop a new medicine for diabetes. Amylin brought its knowledge in peptide hormones. Biocon used its skills in making medicines from living cells and developing new drugs.
Biocon and IATRICa
In 2008, Biocon and IATRICa from the United States announced a partnership. They decided to work together to develop special medicines for targeted treatment of cancers and infectious diseases. Their goal is to create a therapeutic vaccine that helps the body's immune system fight tumors better.
Biocon and Viatris
In 2009, Biocon signed an agreement with Viatris. They decided to develop and sell generic biologic medicines together. Biocon and Viatris share the costs of developing these products. Viatris has the exclusive rights to sell these medicines in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. They share the profits with Biocon.
Biocon and Optimer
Biocon and Optimer Pharmaceuticals have a long-term agreement. Optimer is a company that focuses on treating serious infections like Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI). Biocon helps by manufacturing a key ingredient for Optimer's medicine, fidaxomicin.
Biocon and Vaccinex
Biocon is also developing special human antibodies (BVX 10 and BVX-20) with Vaccinex, a US company. This partnership started in 2004. BVX 10 targets a substance called TNF, which is found in high levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This partnership gives Biocon access to Vaccinex's special technology for making antibodies.
Biocon and Abraxis
In 2007, Biocon and Abraxis BioScience, Inc. made an agreement. This allowed Biocon to license the rights to develop and sell a biosimilar version of GCSF (Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor) in North America and Europe.
Biocon and Sandoz
In January 2018, Sandoz (a part of Novartis) announced a global partnership with Biocon. They plan to develop, make, and sell several biosimilar medicines for immune system problems and cancer worldwide.
How Biocon Works
Biocon has its main manufacturing facilities in two locations in Bangalore.
The company's R&D (Research and Development) team works on the entire process of creating new medicines. This includes everything from developing the process to testing the medicines in labs and with patients.
Biocon offers 36 different brands of products. These medicines help with four main health areas: diabetes, kidney problems, cancer, and heart conditions.
Images for kids
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Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is an Indian entrepreneur. She founded Biocon in 1978.
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Inside Biocon Research Centre in Biocon Park, Bommasandra, Bangalore.
