Biocon and Invitrogen strike insulin supply deal

The companies plan to sell the insulin to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Bioprocess scientists have increasingly used insulin to enhance their cell culture, but can only access the pharmaceutical-grade insulin in bulk quantities from a few suppliers, said Jeff Greenberg, Invitrogen vice president of bioproduction.

Biocon has also entered a licensing agreement with a pharma company to develop and market a bio-similar version of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. The Indian biotech firm will receive an upfront licensing fee and royalties from sales, according to a company statement.