Biocon Biologics inks pact to provide cancer biosimilars to 30 countries in Africa, Asia

Bengaluru: Biocon Biologics Ltd., a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd., has recently signed an agreement with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to expand access to lifesaving cancer biosimilars in over 30 countries in Africa and Asia as a part of the Cancer Access Partnership (CAP).

The partnership is a significant step in delivering advanced cancer therapies to patients who need them the most and ensuring equitable access to high-quality biosimilars in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Biocon Biologics' R&D and manufacturing capabilities have enabled the Company to offer affordable biologics such as bTrastuzumab and bPegfilgrastim to cancer patients in developed markets like the European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.). Biocon Biologics aims to deliver substantial savings to healthcare systems by enhancing access and availability of these high-quality, affordable biosimilar cancer therapies in 25 countries in Africa and 5 countries in Asia currently covered under CAP, led by CHAI. Biocon Biologics will initially supply bTrastuzumab and bPegfilgrastim and will expand the arrangement to include other biosimilars.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Biologics said: "Biocon Biologics has been in the forefront of a long-running crusade against cancer through its high quality affordable biosimilars. The collaboration with CHAI further strengthens our resolve to address the unmet patient needs in Asia and Africa for advanced cancer therapies through costeffective alternatives to expensive reference biologics. This is an extension of our commitment to enable universal access to cancer patients following the initiation of our Mission 10 cents to provide insulins for people with diabetes in LMICs."

Dr. Christiane Hamacher, CEO, Biocon Biologics said: "We are extremely proud to collaborate with CHAI to realise our mission of enabling universal access to quality cancer care. Biocon Biologics is reimagining access to biologics in LMICs through strategic partnerships with global health organisations. We are committed to reducing the high cost of cancer care for healthcare systems through our biosimilars and are pleased to address the needs of patients in Africa and Asia through the Cancer Access Partnership (CAP)."