Biocad is a Russian biotechnology company that develops and manufactures complex pharmaceutical drugs. The company operates across the entire drug lifecycle, from initial molecule discovery and genetic engineering to large-scale commercial production and market distribution. Its mission is to provide high-quality medications. This integrated approach allows Biocad to maintain control over its products from research to patient access.
Core Focus and Therapeutic Areas
Biocad concentrates its research and development efforts on several significant disease categories, with a particular emphasis on oncology and autoimmune disorders. In oncology, the company develops therapeutics for various cancers, including lymphomas, lung, colorectal, breast, and gynecological cancers. Autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis also represent major therapeutic targets, as these chronic disorders often require advanced biological treatments.
The focus on these areas stems from the inherent complexity of the diseases and the substantial unmet medical needs of patients worldwide. Many cancers and autoimmune diseases involve intricate biological pathways, making them suitable targets for advanced biotechnological interventions such as monoclonal antibodies. Beyond these primary areas, Biocad also addresses infectious diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis C infections, and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. The company also develops treatments for orphan diseases, rare conditions often with limited existing therapies.
Key Drug Development and Products
A significant part of Biocad’s portfolio includes biosimilar drugs, which are highly similar versions of already approved biological medications. Biosimilars are not exact copies but demonstrate similar efficacy, safety, and quality, offering more affordable alternatives to expensive original biologics once their patents expire. This approach broadens patient access to advanced treatments by increasing competition in the pharmaceutical market.
Biocad has developed several biosimilars that mimic established biological drugs. Examples include BCD-021, a biosimilar of bevacizumab used in certain cancers, and BCD-022, a biosimilar of trastuzumab, also for cancer treatment. The company’s biosimilar for rituximab, BCD-020, targets non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Beyond biosimilars, Biocad also develops original drugs, such as netakimab, an anti-IL17 monoclonal antibody approved in Russia for plaque psoriasis, and prolgolimab, an anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody used for advanced melanoma and lung cancer. Furthermore, Biocad played a role in the production of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.
International Presence and Sanctions Impact
Prior to recent geopolitical shifts, Biocad pursued an international expansion strategy through various partnerships and subsidiaries. The company had offices and operations in countries such as Brazil, China, India, Singapore, Vietnam, and the UAE. A notable initiative included a joint venture with Shanghai Pharma in China, formed to manufacture and market cancer and autoimmune drugs in the Chinese market.
The imposition of international sanctions has significantly impacted Biocad’s global operations. These measures have disrupted supply chains for essential research materials and reagents. The sanctions have also led to the halting of some international clinical trials. Furthermore, access to global markets has become more restricted. In response, Biocad has increasingly focused on import substitution and fostering “biotechnological sovereignty” within Russia to ensure domestic access to medications.