Biocon Ltd’s Subsidiary Aims to Boost Biosimilar Adoption in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Biocon Limited, through its subsidiary Biocon Biologics Limited, has recently published the findings of a comprehensive study aimed at enhancing the adoption of biosimilars in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative is particularly vital as LMICs face significant challenges in accessing affordable healthcare solutions, exacerbated by constrained healthcare resources and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer and diabetes.

Commissioned by Biocon Biologics and executed in collaboration with Clarivate, the study outlines essential strategies for creating a more conducive environment for biosimilars, which are biotherapeutic products highly similar to already approved reference biologics. A peer-reviewed article detailing the study has been published in the esteemed Generics and Biosimilars Initiative (GaBI) Journal, titled “Increasing Adoption of Quality-Assured Biosimilars to Address Access Challenges in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.”

The article highlights 6 key policy recommendations to promote the access and use of quality-assured biosimilars in LMICs:

• Strengthening Regulatory Systems: Enhancing regulatory frameworks to ensure faster approval and commercialisation of biosimilars.
• Strengthening National Policies: Developing national policies focused on increasing access to biosimilars, making them a preferred choice for patients.
• Encouraging Local Manufacturing: Promoting domestic production of biosimilars to reduce costs and ensure availability.
• Providing Guidance for Prescribing: Offering clear guidelines for healthcare providers on prescribing biosimilars and increasing educational efforts about their benefits.
• Promoting Stakeholder Initiatives: Encouraging various stakeholders to advocate for greater access to biosimilars.
• Strengthening Pharmacovigilance: Establishing robust monitoring systems to track the safety and efficacy of biosimilars post-marketing.

Susheel Umesh, Chief Commercial Officer for Emerging Markets at Biocon Biologics, emphasised the importance of clear regulatory pathways in facilitating quicker access to affordable medicines. He stated that regulatory agencies should aim to eliminate redundancies in approval processes to ensure that high-quality biosimilars are available to patients in LMICs, who are often in dire need of cost-effective therapeutic options.

Dr. Uwe Gudat, Chief Medical Officer at Biocon Biologics, also stressed the urgent need for biosimilars in LMICs, where NCDs account for a staggering 74% of global deaths, claiming approximately 41 million lives annually. These diseases disproportionately impact regions with limited healthcare resources, making the introduction and acceptance of biosimilars a potential game-changer. He remarked that, by offering affordable alternatives to expensive originator biologics, biosimilars could significantly enhance patient outcomes in these underserved areas.

In high-income countries (HICs), biosimilars have already proven their worth by reducing healthcare costs and improving access to treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The scenario is different in LMICs, where healthcare budgets are often stretched thin, and large segments of the population remain underserved. The successful introduction of biosimilars in these markets can help transform healthcare accessibility.

Biocon Biologics is committed to ensuring that quality healthcare is available to all, irrespective of their economic standing. By focusing on affordability and accessibility, the company aims to bridge the gap between HICs and LMICs regarding access to innovative biologic therapies. The biosimilars offered by Biocon Biologics serve as cost-effective alternatives to their more expensive counterparts, thereby making advancements in medical treatment more reachable for patients.

Through this initiative, Biocon Biologics not only addresses the pressing need for affordable healthcare solutions but also contributes to improved patient outcomes and sustainable utilisation of healthcare resources in LMICs. By broadening access to biosimilars, Biocon is taking a significant step toward alleviating the healthcare challenges faced by millions in low- and middle-income countries.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.