Viatris and Biocon Biologics announced the launch of their bevacizumab product, Abevmy, a biosimilar to Avastin, on the Canadian market.
Canadians can welcome another oncology biosimilar as Viatris and Biocon Biologics launch their bevacizumab biosimilar (Abevmy) referencing Avastin for the treatment of several types of cancer, according to a statement from the companies.
The product has been approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer; locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer; platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer; and glioblastoma. Abevmy is available to patients in the form of 100 mg/4 mL single-use vials and 400 mg/4 mL single-use vials.
Abevmy is the third oncology biosimilar and fourth overall biosimilar co-developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris to launch on the Canadian market. The launch follows that of Ogivri (trastuzumab biosimilar), Fulphila (pegfilgrastim biosimilar), and Hulio (adalimumab biosimilar). Ogivri launched in 2019 and was the first trastuzumab biosimilar approved in Canada. Fulphila launched in April 2020. Most recently, Hulio entered the market in February 2021 to treat chronic inflammatory conditions.
Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits human vascular endothelial growth factor, stopping the receptor from aiding the formation of tumor vasculature and tumor growth.
“Abevmy will be an important addition to our existing portfolio and will enable us to expand patient access to another affordable biologic for cancer care,” said Matthew Erick, chief commercial officer of advanced markets at Biocon Biologics.
Additionally, the launch of Abevmy may have some implications for ophthalmology care, as bevacizumab products, both the originator and biosimilars, are often used off-label to treat a number of ophthalmic conditions, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
In March 2022, Viatris announced that it was revising its partnership with Biocon Biologics, saying that the latter corporation would be acquiring Viatris’ entire biosimilar portfolio for up to $3.3 billion. Viatris will be providing commercial and other transitional support services over the next 2 years to ensure a smooth transition.
Viatris is also the owner of Nepexto, an etanercept biosimilar referencing Enbrel, and Semglee, an insulin glargine biosimilar that was the first biosimilar to be approved as an interchangeable product in the United States. Semglee was also co-developed with Biocon Biologics.
Biocon Biologics has also developed a recombinant human insulin biosimilar (Insugen), which recently won a tender contract in Malaysia.
Panelists Call for Consistent Education, Support to Improve Patient Comfort With Biosimilars
May 15th 2024At the Festival of Biologics USA, panelists stressed the need for patient-centered communication and education to boost comfort with biosimilars, emphasizing consistent support from health care providers despite restrictive payer policies.
Exploring the Biosimilar Horizon: Julie Reed's Predictions for 2024
February 18th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, Julie Reed, executive director of the Biosimilars Forum, returns to discuss her predictions for the biosimilar industry for 2024 and beyond as well as the impact that the Forum's 4 new members will have on the organization's mission.
Cordavis Report Outlines Strategies for Biosimilar Development, Access in the US Health Care Market
May 8th 2024Cordavis, a CVS Healthspire company, released a report detailing the current hurdles faced in developing and commercializing biosimilars in the US and highlighting efforts by the organization to enhance access and affordability for these products.
A New Chapter: How 2023 Will Shape the US Biosimilar Space for 2024 and Beyond
December 31st 2023On this episode of Not So Different, Cencora's Brian Biehn and Corey Ford take a look back at major policy and regulatory advancements in 2023 and how these changes will alter the space going forward.
Cencora Analysis Shows Differences in Payer Coverage Between G-CSF Biosimilars
May 2nd 2024Data from a Cencora study showed some misalignment in payer coverage of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) biosimilars, highlighting that while filgrastim biosimilars are often favored over the originator, reference pegfilgrastim still dominates over its biosimilars.