Viatris, Biocon Biologics Launch Avastin Biosimilar in Canada

Canadians can welcome another oncology biosimilar as Viatris and Biocon Biologics launch their bevacizumab biosimilar (Abevmy) referencing Avastin for the treatment of several types of cancer, according to a statement from the companies.

The product has been approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer; locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer; platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer; and glioblastoma. Abevmy is available to patients in the form of 100 mg/4 mL single-use vials and 400 mg/4 mL single-use vials.

Abevmy is the third oncology biosimilar and fourth overall biosimilar co-developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris to launch on the Canadian market. The launch follows that of Ogivri (trastuzumab biosimilar), Fulphila (pegfilgrastim biosimilar), and Hulio (adalimumab biosimilar). Ogivri launched in 2019 and was the first trastuzumab biosimilar approved in Canada. Fulphila launched in April 2020. Most recently, Hulio entered the market in February 2021 to treat chronic inflammatory conditions.

Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits human vascular endothelial growth factor, stopping the receptor from aiding the formation of tumor vasculature and tumor growth.

“Abevmy will be an important addition to our existing portfolio and will enable us to expand patient access to another affordable biologic for cancer care,” said Matthew Erick, chief commercial officer of advanced markets at Biocon Biologics.

Additionally, the launch of Abevmy may have some implications for ophthalmology care, as bevacizumab products, both the originator and biosimilars, are often used off-label to treat a number of ophthalmic conditions, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

In March 2022, Viatris announced that it was revising its partnership with Biocon Biologics, saying that the latter corporation would be acquiring Viatris’ entire biosimilar portfolio for up to $3.3 billion. Viatris will be providing commercial and other transitional support services over the next 2 years to ensure a smooth transition.

Viatris is also the owner of Nepexto, an etanercept biosimilar referencing Enbrel, and Semglee, an insulin glargine biosimilar that was the first biosimilar to be approved as an interchangeable product in the United States. Semglee was also co-developed with Biocon Biologics.

Biocon Biologics has also developed a recombinant human insulin biosimilar (Insugen), which recently won a tender contract in Malaysia.