Mumbai, Aug 04: Pharma major Wockhardt Ltd launched its human recombinant insulin "Wosulin" today, making it the first in Asia and fourth in the world to develop, manufacture and market this product. "In India nearly 90 per cent of insulins used are derived from pigs or cows, but we have used the latest yeast-based technology", company chairman Habil Khorakiwala told the reporters here. He added that it took 10-12 years for the city-based entity to develop this product priced at Rs 129 per unit.
The global market for human recombinant insulin was valued at over US $ three billion while the Indian insulin market was around Rs 250 crore, he said.
Wockhardt would manufacture this product at its biotech park at Aurangabad in Maharashtra. This facility has been designed according to US FDA standards.
Referring to international markets for "Wosulin", Khorakiwala said that the company would first approach those markets where regulation processes were easier but the ultimate aim is to tap the US and UK. The processes in these two countries take at least three years for completion, he added.
Wockhardt Director of Genomics and Biotechnology Research Maharaj Sahib said that recombinant human insulin avoids risks of viral infections and other neurological disorders associated with insulins derived from animals.
Meanwhile, in a message to the company, President A P J Abdul Kalam said, "I am delighted to hear that you have used yeast as the host cell. Please ensure that it is cost-effective and affordable".
Bureau Report