Biocon Biologics, an arm of biopharmaceutical industry giant Biocon, stated on Wednesday that it has completed the integration of the biosimilars business purchased from American pharma company Viatris in over 70 countries.
Biocon Biologics purchased Viatris’ biosimilars division in November 2022. The merger begins the first phase of shifting Viatris’ activities to Biocon Biologics on July 1, 2023.
A biosimilar is a biological product that is identical to an already approved reference biological product, also known as the originator or reference product. The goal of producing biosimilars is to attain efficacy, safety, and quality standards comparable to the reference product.
Viatris’ existing portfolio of commercialised biosimilars, which includes bTrastuzumab, bPegfilgrastim, bBevacizumab, bGlargine, bAspart, bAdalimumab, and bEtanercept, is now part of Biocon Biologics’ commercial organisation.
Biocon Biologics
Biocon Biologics intends to work with existing and new partners to enhance its presence and business in these nations. Biocon Biologics aims to provide broader access to a diverse portfolio of biosimilars, meet patients’ needs, and establish trusted partnerships within the healthcare community in these markets by leveraging their R&D capabilities, high-quality manufacturing, supply chain excellence, and commercial and regulatory expertise, according to a statement.
“This transition will enable Biocon Biologics to expand the geographic reach of its existing biosimilars portfolio and future pipeline, leveraging Viatris’ sales infrastructure and local market expertise,” said Susheel Umesh, Biocon Biologics’ Chief Commercial Officer – Emerging Markets.
“Collaborating closely with key stakeholders in these markets will ensure a reliable supply of biosimilars, capitalise on the growing global biosimilars opportunity, and meet the needs of patients who require these treatments the most,” he explained.
The demand for biosimilars in Emerging Markets is critical due to the increasing incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as the primary cause of mortality and disability. A considerable majority of premature deaths from NCDs occur in low- and middle-income nations, where biologic medicines have had transformative effects, particularly in cancer, diabetes, and immunology. Biosimilars present a tremendous opportunity to provide cheap access to these advanced medicines.
Biocon Biologics aims to contribute to the achievement of Target 3.4 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, which focuses on reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment, the company said in a statement.
