Wockhardt pacts Advanced Biotechnologies

New Delhi, Apr 17: Wockhardt Ltd today signed an in-licensing agreement with US-based Advanced Biotechnologies to market a patent-protected product to treat scars.

''We will soon introduce a patented gel - Kelocote - to treat scars and keloids arising from accidents, burns, surgery and acne,'' Wockhardt Chairman Habil Khorakiwala said.

Kelocote is a silicone gel used for treating scars resulting from skin disorders such as dermatitis and varicella. It is also useful in treating keloids, which are fibrous growths formed over healed wounds.

The company plans to launch Kelocote in India in the third quarter of 2007.

It is currently marketed in North America, Europe, Australia and South-East Asia.

Last year, the company entered into an in-licensing deal with LSI of the UK for Vitix, a patented product for the management of leucoderma and Crawford Healthcare of UK for Viticolor, a camouflage gel for vitiligo-affected skins.

UNI