RusNano, a Russian state corporation formed to champion nanotechnology, has become a leading shareholder in a new Anglo-Russian drug company that has the unusual mission of developing nanotechnology, helping the world’s poor, while also planning to be listed in London and Moscow within a few years. The company, Pro Bono Bio, has a commitment to price its products in different countries based on the country’s ability to pay. It will also provide free drug donations to Africa based on sales of products at normal prices in Western Europe. The company is launching its first product, a prescription cream containing nanoparticles for the treatment of pain from osteoarthritis, this week. David Cameron, the British Prime Minister, called the venture a “a great example of UK-Russia collaboration at the cutting edge of R&D.” Two further products, both for inflammatory skin disorders, will be launched in the coming months. The company also said it plans to build its own pharmaceutical plant close to Moscow, and a sister plant in Britain.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/12/britain-russia-pharmaceuticals-idUSL5E7KC0QA20110912