Wockhardt expands Byetta manufacturing capacity

Mumbai, June 16: Wockhardt Ltd's UK Subsidiary is set to expand its capacity for the manufacture of Byetta (Exenatide) cartridge by setting up a new facility to be commissioned in September 2006.

Announcing this to BSE, the company said the expansion project, currently under way, will raise the cartridge manufacturing capacity by four times from the current capacity at Wockhardt UK Ltd.

''Our factory has been operating seven days a week to supply Byetta,'' said Mr Sirjiwan Singh, Wockhardt UK managing director adding:''We unilaterally and proactively decided to invest in new cartridge capacity.'' He was responding to media reports from the United States that Eli Lilly, the Company marketing Byetta, has been advising physicians to limit the number of patients they start on the new diabetes drug because of a shortage of Byetta.

Wockhardt UK is currently the only supplier of Byetta cartridges. It has consistently exceeded contractual obligations for the supply of cartridges. In March 2006, Amylin's senior management presented Wockhardt UK with a plaque in ''recognition of Wockhardt's support and dedication to the launch of Byetta.'' Amylin has been a valued partner and has congratulated Wockhardt for its unwavering support, Mr Singh said.

UNI