Biocon Biologics takes over biosimilars business from Viatris in over 70 countries

Bengaluru:Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL), a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd has announced that the company has completed the integration of the acquired biosimilars business in over 70 countries in Emerging Markets effective July 1, 2023, increasing the scale and scope of its business.

Following the deal closure in November 2022, this marks the first wave of countries where Viatris' operations have fully transitioned to Biocon Biologics. The existing commercialized portfolio of biosimilars, including bTrastuzumab, bPegfilgrastim, bBevacizumab, bGlargine, bAspart, bAdalimumab, and bEtanercept, managed by Viatris in these markets, is now a part of Biocon Biologics’ commercial organization.

The company will work with existing and new partners to expand its footprint and strengthen its business presence in these countries. Its best-in-class R&D capabilities, high-quality manufacturing, supply chain excellence, and commercial and regulatory expertise will enable the company to expand access to a diverse portfolio of biosimilars, meet patients’ needs and be a trusted partner to patients and the healthcare community in these markets.

Shreehas Tambe, CEO & Managing Director, Biocon Biologics said, “The successful integration of Viatris’ biosimilars business to Biocon Biologics in over 70 countries is a significant milestone and marks the beginning of the transition process. Working closely with our partners, Biocon Biologics will now lead commercial operations in these markets and broaden access to patients with our differentiated portfolio of high quality biosimilars. This first wave in the transition process comes ahead of plan, thanks to the tireless efforts of our colleagues at both companies, our advisors and partners who worked relentlessly to make this happen.”

Susheel Umesh, Chief Commercial Officer - Emerging Markets, Biocon Biologics said, “The transitioning of these 70+ Emerging Markets to Biocon Biologics from Viatris marks the first phase of the business integration plan charted out for the acquired business. This will allow Biocon Biologics to meaningfully expand the geographic reach of the existing biosimilars portfolio and future pipeline into growth markets where Viatris has existing sales infrastructure and local market expertise. Working closely with key stakeholders in these markets will allow us to ensure reliable supplies of our biosimilars for those who need them the most, while enabling us to capitalize on the rapidly expanding global biosimilars opportunity.”

All the biosimilar products commercialized by Viatris in various markets such as bGlargine (Semglee), bPegfilgrastim (Fulphila), bTrastuzumab (Ogivri), bBevacizumab (Abevmy) and inlicensed product bAdalimumab (Hulio), will continue to serve patients’ needs. Most of these have been co-developed with Biocon Biologics and manufactured at BBL’s world class facilities in India and Malaysia. The diverse portfolio covers key therapeutic areas of cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disease.

Read also: Biocon Biologics's Hulio biosimilar to Humira, now available in US