Mission: Creating monoclonal immuno-phenotyping kits

Utilizing SBIRI funding, Mediclone Biotech has successfully created monoclonal immuno-phenotyping kits for human red blood cells






In a situation where a person is in a dire need of blood, the right blood group is vital for saving the person's life. In such a situation, a tool that identifies blood groups immediately can play a life saving role. Chennai-based biotech company, Mediclone Biotech, has developed a diagnostic kit that can help in determining the patient's blood group instantly. Mediclone Biotech has developed bioprocess methods and control systems to produce monoclonal immuno-phenotyping kits for human red blood cells.

The infrastructure required to develop bioprocess methods and systems were partly funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through the Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) scheme. With the SBIRI funding, the pilot scale manufacturing of the product was completed in September 2009. The immuno-phenotyping kits could be effectively used in blood banks and clinical labs to categorize blood.

Started in 1995 as a maiden biotech venture by first generation entrepreneurs, Mediclone Biotech is a privately-owned biotech company specializing in immunobiotechnology. Today, Mediclone Biotech has state-of-the-art infrastructure comprising biopharma production plant with cGMP compliance, quality control and quality assurance; in-house R&D; and in-plant education and training facilities.

SBIRI scheme was vital for Mediclone Biotech to continue the project. This would have not been possible without venture capital funding. SBIRI scheme eased out the stress of entrepreneurs and gave the company confidence to carry out R&D activities.

Industry Impact
The PPP project has been a great success and the significant results have been achieved. Therefore, the company, while utilizing the funding has been able to create a positive impact on the industry. In October 2009, Mediclone launched fully-indigenous monoclonal antibodies to human red blood cell phenotyping. Currently, these products are being marketed to Tamil Nadu Medical Supplies Corporation, Government of Tamil Nadu, and AIDS Control Society in India. Besides that, the product is also being exported to China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Africa, Iraq, UAE and many other countries.

Way Forward
Diagnostic Biomedicine was the start-up for the company. Over the period of time, a range of diagnostically significant monoclonal antibody-based kits have been developed and marketed. The company is currently working on therapeutic bio-molecules for infectious diseases and snake toxins. In the year 2010-11, the company expects $2 million (10 crore ) in revenues with 30 percent growth in the subsequent years.

Rahul Koul in New Delhi