Abevmy (bBevacizumab) by Biocon Biologics and Viatris
Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Biocon and Viatris Inc have announced the availability of Abevmy (bBevacizumab) in Canada. Abevmy, co-developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris, may be a biosimilar to Roche’s Avastin (bevacizumab) and has been approved by Health Canada across four oncology indications.
Matthew Erick, chief commercial officer, advanced markets, Biocon Biologics, said: “With the launch of Abevmy, (bBevacizumab), we are adding another world-class biosimilar to our oncology portfolio in Canada, which incorporates Ogivri (trastuzumab) and Fulphila (pegfilgrastim). Abevmy are going to be an important addition to our existing portfolio and will enable us to expand patient access to another affordable biologic for cancer care.”
David Simpson Country Manager, Viatris Canada stated “With patients at the guts of what we do, we’ve brought Abevmy to the market to provide increased access and affordability in oncology. Abevmy is that 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 during a substantial oncology portfolio which expands choices for patients across the nation.”
Abevmy follows the launch of our two oncology biosimilars in Canada, Ogivri (bTrastuzumab) in 2019 – the primary trastuzumab approved in the country and Fulphila (bPegfilgrastim), which was launched in 2020, he added.
In addition to the therapeutic area of oncology, Viatris Canada launched Hulio (bAdalimumab) in February 2021 for chronic inflammatory conditions. The Viatris Advocate program is additionally now available for Abevmy. The program offers support and resources for patients, their caregivers and their healthcare providers.
The approval of Abevmy was supported a comprehensive analytical, pre-clinical and clinical program. Abevmy is permitted for use Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC), locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC), platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer and malignant glioma (WHO Grade IV)-glioblastoma 2.
the 2 formats approved and now available in Canada are: 100 mg/4 mL single-use vial and 400 mg/16 mL single-use vial. Abevmy may be a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and neutralizes its biologic activity. The drug, inhibits the formation of tumour vasculature, thereby inhibiting tumour growth.
Biocon Biologics and Viatris have an exclusive collaboration for the event , manufacturing and commercialization of a broad portfolio of biosimilars and insulin analogs. Viatris has exclusive commercialization rights within the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European Union and European Free Trade Association countries.
Biocon Biologics has exclusive commercialization rights surely emerging markets and co-exclusive commercialization rights with Viatris in the rest of the world. In February 2022, the 2 companies reached a definitive agreement wherein Biocon Biologics will acquire substantially all of Viatris’ biosimilars portfolio globally, including Abevmy. Upon closing, Viatris will still participate in the global biosimilars market through an equity stake of at least 12.9% on a totally diluted basis in Biocon Biologics. The close of the transaction is currently expected to occur within the second half of 2022 subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals.
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