Sandoz launches biosimilar Hyrimoz in Canada

"We are very excited to bring our adalimumab biosimilar Hyrimoz to market by building on the successful launch of Hyrimoz in Europe in 2018 and our worldwide experience with biosimilars," declared Karine Matteau, Vice President, Bio-Generic Hospital/Physician channel and Head of Biosimilars at Sandoz Canada. "It is an important step as we pursue our ambition to become the leading biosimilars and generics company in Canada."

Hyrimoz is a fully human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker which helps to reduce inflammation. It is available in 40 mg/0.8 mL and 20 mg/0.4mL in single-use prefilled syringe, and in 40 mg/0.8 mL in SensoReady Pen autoinjector designed for patients with limited dexterity.

"Adalimumab is an important biologic therapy used by over 42,000 Canadian patients whose lives can be critically impacted by their conditions. Hyrimoz will increase access to this high-quality, affordable biologic treatment for Canadian healthcare professionals and their patients," commented Dr. Mauricio Ede, Vice President Medical and Scientific Officer. "We are also making available to patients a well-established patient support program, providing guidance with reimbursement navigation, financial assistance, administrative support, injection and nurse support services, as well as education and pharmacy support services for patients, throughout their treatment journey."

''Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of many disabling and life-threatening conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, they also contribute to the rising costs of healthcare, which limit access to these and other effective therapies. Biosimilars match their reference biologics, in term of efficacy, safety, and tolerability. They also present an opportunity to reduce costs and extend access to more IBD patients,'' commented Dr. John K. Marshall, Professor of Medicine and Director, Division of Gastroenterology at McMaster University.

"When treating patients with a chronic disease in dermatology, it is important to have several options available, and adalimumab remains an important choice in dermatologists' armamentarium" said Dr. Charles Lynde, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of the Lynde Institute for Dermatology and Lynderm Research. "Phase III trials have demonstrated switching patients from Humira to Hyrimoz can be performed safely without any loss of efficacy. With the launch of this important biosimilar, we can contribute to freeing up more resources that can be directed to patient care, thereby unlocking value for our provincial and national health systems."

"Sandoz Canada has successfully completed the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) negotiations for Hyrimoz, which is the first step in securing public reimbursement. We are actively working on securing reimbursement with both private and public payers," the release stated.

"As a division of Novartis, we pride ourselves as being one company delivering both innovation and sustainability to the healthcare system in Canada. Our biosimilars portfolio in Canada currently includes six biologic medicines covering the therapeutic areas of oncology, immunology and endocrinology, and we look forward to continuing to expand it as market exclusivity of more original biologics come to an end," added Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada.