Biocon arm completes integration of Viatris biosimilars business in 120 countries

Over 10 Emerging Markets along with Japan, Australia and New Zealand have transitioned in this final phase of the integration of the biosimilars business acquired from Viatris. With the completion of this, Biocon Biologics is now a unique, fully integrated ‘lab to market’ biosimilars company.

Read also: Biocon arm concludes integration of Viatris biosimilar business in 31 European countries

Earlier in 2023, over 70 Emerging Markets were integrated in July, the North America business transitioned in September and the European business in November.

Biocon Biologics has made several key leadership appointments, built new capabilities and infrastructure from the ground up and set up dedicated teams to address the growing needs of patients and customers through self-led and partner or distributor-led commercial models.     

Biocon Biologics will now have a commercial footprint across ~120 countries with a direct presence in the United States, Canada, Europe and 9 key Emerging Market countries, namely India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

All Viatris' biosimilar brands, including Ogivri & Hertraz (bTrastuzumab), Abevmy (bBevacizumab), Fulphila (bPegfilgrastim), Hulio (bAdalimumab), Nepexto (bEtanercept), Semglee (bGlargine) and Kirsty (bAspart), will now be marketed by Biocon Biologics teams, ensuring business continuity for patients, prescribers, partners, and healthcare systems. Most of these products have been developed by Biocon Biologics and are being manufactured at the Company’s facilities in India and Malaysia. The diverse portfolio covers key therapeutic areas of diabetology, oncology and immunology.

"A direct presence in these markets will enable the Company to get closer to patients and strengthen its relationships with prescribers and payers. It will also allow Biocon Biologics to expand its patient reach and generate significant savings for healthcare systems," the release stated.

Shreehas Tambe, CEO & Managing Director, Biocon Biologics Ltd, said: “I am very proud and excited that we have successfully completed the integration of the acquired business across 120 countries. The conclusion of this final wave of transition is a significant milestone and marks the beginning of Biocon Biologics’ transformation to a fully integrated global company. I congratulate and thank the entire Biocon Biologics team – colleagues, advisors, and partners. This seamless transition, achieved ahead of schedule, is an outcome of relentless focus, untiring efforts and an unwavering commitment to patients and business continuity.”

Matthew Erick, Chief Commercial Officer – Advanced Markets, Biocon Biologics Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to have reached this historic moment and are proud to say that biosimilars are not just what we do – they are all that we do. With the successful completion of the integration, we will be providing patients, customers, and healthcare providers in North America, Europe and JANZ a strong portfolio of biosimilars. Our deep expertise, commitment to continual investment to advance biosimilars throughout the value chain from development, manufacturing, distribution and commercialization makes us a trusted partner.”

Susheel Umesh, Chief Commercial Officer - Emerging Markets, Biocon Biologics said: “The completion of the integration marks a key milestone in Biocon Biologics’ transformational journey towards becoming a global biosimilars leader. This presents a unique opportunity for our teams to take Brand Biocon Biologics directly to many markets. This self-led business model in key Emerging Markets will take us closer to patients, MoHs, prescribers and payers. It will allow us to expand affordable access to larger patient pools in these Emerging Markets, thus enabling equitable access to high quality biosimilars.”