Biocon receives CRL from USFDA for anti-cancer drug

Biotechnology firm Biocon on Tuesday said the US health regulator has issued complete response letter (CRL) for proposed biosimilar Pegfilgrastim, indicated for use in the treatment of cancer.

The company, however said it does not expect this CRL to impact the commercial launch timing of biosimilar Pegfilgrastim in the US. This product is a part of the biosimilars portfolio being developed jointly by Biocon and Mylan.

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a complete response letter (CRL) for Mylan's Biologics License Application (BLA) for MYL-1401H, a proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim," Biocon said in a regulatory filing.

It further said: "The CRL relates to the pending update of the BLA with certain CMC data from facility requalification activities post recent plant modifications. The CRL did not raise any questions on biosimilarity, pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic data, clinical data or immunogenicity".

"We do not expect this CRL to impact the commercial launch timing of biosimilar Pegfilgrastim in the US. We are committed to working with the agency to resolve the issues stated in the CRL expeditiously," the company added.

Shares of Biocon were trading 3.24 per cent higher at Rs 355 apiece on BSE in morning trade today.