Biocon, Mylan launch cancer drug in Canada

Biocon and Mylan NV have jointly launched Fulphila, a biosimilar to Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), in Canada for cancer patients.

Fulphila, which was launched in Australia two weeks ago, is approved by Health Canada to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, said Biocon in a press release.

Fulphila, co-developed by Biocon Biologics and Mylan, was the first biosimilar pegfilgrastim to be approved in the US and was launched in July 2018.

“We are pleased to expand access to our high quality biosimilar pegfilgrastim to patients in Canada. This is the second biosimilar from our portfolio to be launched in Canada by our partner Mylan and is an endorsement of our science, development and manufacturing capabilities in the area of biologics. We are committed to serve 5 million patients through our biosimilars portfolio and cross a revenue milestone of $1 billion by FY22,” said Christiane Hamacher, CEO of Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Biocon.

David Simpson, Country Manager, Mylan Canada, said: “We have reached a negotiated agreement with the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) to help expand access to treatment and reduce costs for cancer patients.”