Turkey Company Roundup: New Cancer R&D Center, AZ Collaboration
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Onko-Kocsel Pharmaceutical has opened a new oncology R&D facility, while AstraZeneca and Koc University are intensifying their research collaboration for prostate cancer. GSK has appointed a respected academician as a scientific advisor for developing countries and Alcon has named a new regional general manager for Turkey and Azerbaijan.
A regular roundup of recent corporate developments in the Turkish market. For the previous article in the series, see (Also see "Turkey Company Roundup: Pricing, OTC Policies Attacked" - HBW Insight, 13 Oct, 2015.).
Onko-Kocsel Opens Oncology R&D Facility
Onko-Kocsel Pharmaceuticals, a rapidly growing local company, has commissioned Turkey’s first oncology R&D facility with GMP certification. The facility aims to locally develop and manufacture a range of products for cancer indications.
The site is equipped with current technologies and comprises analytical development laboratories, which include instrumental analysis and wet chemical lab facilities, a formulation lab and pilot production and stability zones.
Addressing the opening ceremony on Oct. 26, Fikri Isik, Turkey’s Minister of Science, Industry and Technology, said: “This R&D center will put its stamp on Turkey’s future. About 73 units of every 100 units of drugs are manufactured locally but our foreign trade deficit in pharmaceuticals is still $4bn. That is because the drugs we import have more value than the drugs we manufacture in Turkey.
“We have to change this situation by investing more in R&D and focusing on products with high technology and more added value.”
Onko-Kocsel has a wide portfolio of products in therapeutic areas including oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, neurology, infectious diseases, urology, orthopedics, rheumatology, immunology and dermatology.
Links to related story (in Turkish):
http://www.medikalakademi.com.tr/onko-kocselden-kanser-ilaclari-arastirmasi-icin-dev-ar-ge-merkezi/
http://www.radikal.com.tr/kocaeli-haber/bilim-sanayi-ve-teknoloji-bakani-isik-1459973/
AstraZeneca Focuses Koc Research On Prostate Cancer
Recognizing the potential of conducting scientific research in Turkey, AstraZeneca PLC signed a research collaboration agreement last year with the Drug Research Center of Koc University (KU) in Istanbul. The deal provided access to the firm’s chemical library for KU researchers within the scope of the company’s existing Open Innovation Program. The agreement was a first in Turkey as it focused on preclinical research and innovation.
This October, Barry Davies, Principal Scientist in Drug Discovery and Early Development at AstraZeneca, visited the university as part of the UK-based firm’s prostate cancer research program, which has been chosen as the first specific area of collaboration. Davies, who has extensive experience in the field, met with KU researchers to prepare the roadmap for this project. He also gave a lecture to students on new methods of drug development.
The program will continue with KU researchers working on AstraZeneca molecules and choosing leads for animal testing. Officials from KU’s Drug Research Center disclosed that they have already made some progress in this effort and will soon finalize the lead molecule.
Link to related story (in Turkish)
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GSK Adds Academic To Global Team
GlaxoSmithKline PLC has appointed a respected Turkish academic expert as a Scientific Vaccine Adviser. Professor Dr. Selim Badur is a well-known authority on microbiology, infectious diseases and vaccines in Turkey and is also a member of the Vaccines Advisory Council within the Ministry of Health. The council advises the ministry on vaccines and immunization programs.
In his new GSK role, started last month, he will provide guidance on communication and developing relations with health care professionals in developing countries. Anil Dutta, Clinical/Medical Vice President of GSK, said: “We intend to develop our interaction with medical professionals and healthcare experts. The joining of Prof. Dr. Selim Badur to GSK will reinforce the expertise within our company and thanks to his deep experience, sharing scientific knowledge on international platforms will increase.”
Big pharmaceutical companies generally have project-based consultancies with well-known academicians and scientific opinion leaders in Turkey, but this appears to be the first time for one to be employed in the global organization of a major pharma company on a permanent basis.
Link to related story (in Turkish)
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Alcon Names Turkey Area GM
Alcon Inc., a Novartis AG group company and a world leader in eye health, has appointed a new General Manager for the Alcon Turkey Area, which comprises Turkey and Azerbaijan. Kostas Ladikos will be responsible for the management and commercial activities of Alcon in the region.
Ladikos, a 28-year veteran of Alcon Laboratories, has been working as the Area Director and General Manager of Alcon Hellas since January 2001.
Link to related story (in Turkish)
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