According to a recent company statement, the partnership would leverage NeuClone's patented technology to generate protein drugs at much reduced cost from proprietary manufacturing cell lines and the immense biologics manufacturing capability of Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine producer. The products would treat diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders.

"After several years of technology development and building our team expertise, NeuClone is very pleased to launch this multi-product co-development programme with Serum Institute. Our products will exemplify the competitive advantages of our NeuMAXTM technology platform for cell line development", said Mr Noelle Sunstrom, NeuClone's founder and CEO. Serum Institute has exclusive licence for marketing and sales for India, China, South East Asia, The Middle East, South America and Africa.

"We plan to extend the vision set by Dr C S Poonawalla to develop bio-similar monoclonal antibodies at an extremely affordable cost through this collaboration, " Mr A C Poonawalla, CEO and executive director, Serum Institute of India, said.

Mr Umesh Shaligram, Serum Institute's director of R&D said "For this new strategic initiative in the bio-similar monoclonal antibodies market we are combining our extensive biologics manufacturing and distribution expertise and cost advantages with NeuClone's technology for high quality and low cost of goods."

The partnership will have multiple products in development simultaneously such that all 10 products will transition through clinical trials and enter the market.