Visit to Biocon Ltd biotechnology 18.02.10 by Amy

Biocon was established in 1978 and now employs over 4000 people, led by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. The company manufacture many products including human insulin and statins and one of the most exciting innovations is an oral insulin tablet to replace injections which is currently at phase 3 clinical trial stage. The UK and US teams were taken on a tour of the plant and shared lunch together before we said our farewells as this was the last time we would all met together. I returned to Biocon the following day for my vocational visit. Dr Sharmitha and Dr Sarika had prepared an excellent presentation covering everything I had asked for and more, from the food and dietary patterns in India to the mechanism of action of Biocon's products. I really was impressed by how much work had gone into researching the information for me. Thanks also to Rtn Ravichandran for assisting me on the day. I also met Sam, who works for the Winning with Diabetes scheme which is a helpline and promotion for active screening of diabetes with the community to help raise awareness of the condition. Since January 2010, 2500 people have enrolled and I wish her continued success with this venture.