Abevmy marks the third oncology biosimilar to be launched by the partnership in Canada, following Ogivri (bTrastuzumab) in 2019 and Fulphila (bPegfilgrastim) in 2020
Biocon Research Centre at Biocon Park, Bengaluru, India. (Credit: Biocon)
Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Indian biopharmaceutical firm Biocon, together with its partner Viatris, has announced the commercialisation of Abevmy (bBevacizumab) in Canada.
Abevmy is a biosimilar to Roche’s Avastin (Bevacizumab), jointly developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris, and has been approved in Canada across four oncology indications.
It is the third oncology biosimilar to be launched by the partnership in Canada, following Ogivri (bTrastuzumab) in 2019, and Fulphila (bPegfilgrastim) in 2020.
Ogivri is a biosimilar to Genentech’s breast cancer and stomach cancer drug Trastuzumab, sold under the brand name Herceptin.
Fulphila is a biosimilar to Amgen’s Pegfilgrastim, which stimulates the production of more neutrophils by the bone marrow in cancer patients, and is sold as Neulasta.
Biocon Biologics advanced markets chief commercial officer Matthew Erick said: “With the launch of Abevmy, (bBevacizumab), we are adding another world-class biosimilar to our oncology portfolio in Canada, which includes Ogivri (Trastuzumab) and Fulphila (Pegfilgrastim).
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.”
Abevmy is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and neutralizes its biologic activity.
The drug works to inhibit the formation of tumour vasculature, thereby suppressing tumour growth.
The approval of Abevmy by Health Canada was supported by a comprehensive analytical, pre-clinical and clinical program. It is now available in 100mg/4mL single-use vial and 400mg/16mL single-use vial.
The drug is now indicated for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC), Locally Advanced, Metastatic or Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and Malignant Glioma (Glioblastoma).
It is also indicated for the treatment of patients with platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer, in Canada.
Viatris said that Abevmy is now included in its Advocate program, which provides support and resources for patients, their caregivers and their healthcare providers.
Viatris Canada country manager David Simpson said: “With patients at the heart of what we do, we are proud to bring Abevmy to market to provide increased access and affordability in oncology.
“Abevmy is the fourth biosimilar to be offered by Viatris in Canada and our third to support patients living with cancer. Our vast experience in biosimilars has resulted in a substantial oncology portfolio which expands choices for patients across the nation.”