Biocon, Optimer sign agreement for making fidaxomicin

Biotechnology firm Biocon today said it has entered into an agreement with the US-based Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc for manufacturing antibiotic drug fidaxomicin, which is used in treatment of colon infection.

"Our partnership with Optimer is another wonderful recognition of Biocon's capabilities as an R&D partner as well as an acknowledgment of our global manufacturing facilities," Biocon Group Chairman and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar Shaw said in a statement.

Optimer President and CEO Pedro Lichtinger said that the long-term agreement with Biocon is an important step in establishing a stable supply of fidaxomicin.

"For the past five years, Biocon has been an important partner in our fidaxomicin development programme and we look forward to continuing the relationship," Lichtinger said.

The drug is used in treating CDI, which is caused by clostridium difficile a spore-forming bacterium that can cause serious infection of the colon by multiplying and producing toxins resulting in inflammation, severe diarrhea and, in serious cases, death.