Chennai-based Lamark Biotech Pvt. Ltd. has successfully secured ₹6.5 crore in seed funding to push forward its pioneering ProteoStrong™ platform, targeted at refrigeration-independent protein-based drug delivery systems. The investment will support development efforts aimed at improving the stability, accessibility, and affordability of biologics in India’s underserved regions.
What Is ProteoStrong™?
ProteoStrong™ is Lamark’s proprietary technology designed to enhance the thermal stability and shelf life of therapeutic proteins without the need for a cold chain. According to the company, its first product candidate, Insulin Strong, is a crystalline form of recombinant human insulin (rhI) that remains stable at room temperature for up to two years, enabling it to be transported and stored without refrigeration.
Solving Real-World Healthcare Challenges
India’s rural healthcare infrastructure often lacks robust cold-chain facilities, leading to high transport costs and limited access to biologics. ProteoStrong™ aims to reduce logistics costs by around 20% while increasing treatment reach, particularly vital for chronic conditions like diabetes, oncology, and infectious diseases .
Lamark is also extending its platform to develop room-temperature stable formulations for monoclonal antibodies, insulin analogs (e.g., glargine), and viral vaccines, aiming for proof-of-concept in four additional biologic categories within the next 12–18 months .
Strategic Funding Objectives
The newly raised ₹6.5 crore will be used to:
- Advance preclinical R&D for Insulin Strong.
- Scale production to 10-liter GMP-grade batches in preparation for IND (Investigational New Drug) filings in India, the U.S., and EU markets.
- Expand patent filings and fortify the ProteoStrong IP portfolio.
- Forge pharma partnerships to support commercialisation and global distribution.
Why This Matters
With the global biologics market expected to eclipse $600 billion by 2030, breakthroughs in cold-chain-free biologics can significantly reduce treatment costs and improve reach, particularly in emerging markets. Lamark Biotech, founded in 2018, already operates R&D facilities across Chennai, Vellore (at VIT-TBI), Granada (Spain), and Bengaluru, with plans for a U.S. subsidiary since 2022.
Looking Ahead
The seed money helps Lamark establish connections with pharmaceutical companies in India and other nations as it starts preclinical trials and becomes ready for regulatory filings. The objective is to develop room-temperature-storable biologics, starting with insulin. Healthcare access and cold-chain logistics may be significantly impacted by this.
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