Sandoz Canada gets approval to launch oncology biosimilars Ziextenzo, Riximyo

"These two new approvals are great news for patients, their physicians, and the Canadian healthcare system. The use of biosimilars allows more patients to benefit from the advantages of biologic therapies while helping to reduce growing costs to the healthcare system and generate savings that can be reinvested in healthcare resources," says Michel Robidoux, President, and CEO of Sandoz Canada. "The approvals of Ziextenzo and Riximyo expand our portfolio of biosimilars in oncology. They also reinforce our status as the leading biosimilar and generic pharmaceutical company in Canada, which relies on our strong experience in these areas, our commitment to reliable supply, and the excellence of our patient service programs."

Sandoz Canada's biosimilars portfolio includes biologic drugs covering the therapeutic areas of oncology, rheumatology, immunology, and endocrinology.

A biosimilar biologic drug, or biosimilar, is a biologic drug that has been shown to be similar to a brand-name drug already authorized for sale (referred to as a reference biologic drug). Biosimilars may become commercially available following the expiry of patents and data protection periods of the reference biologic drug. They have the potential to improve access to effective treatments while reducing the current economic burden on the Canadian healthcare system, patients, physicians, and taxpayers as a whole.

"Sandoz, a division of Novartis, is a world leader in the field of biosimilars. The company invests in research and development to improve patients' quality of life and liberate healthcare resources through increased access to affordable biosimilars. With the Novartis group fully integrated end-to-end model, we proudly ensure the reliable development, manufacture, and supply of our full biosimilars portfolio in compliance with the industry's highest quality standards", says Karine Matteau, Vice President, Bio-Generic Hospital/Physician channel and Head Biosimilars at Sandoz Canada. "Sandoz markets eight biosimilar drugs worldwide and we look forward to count five of them in Canada within the next twelve months."

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