Biocon arm completes integration of Viatris biosimilars business in 120 countries

Bengaluru: Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL), a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, has announced the successful completion of the
transition of the acquired biosimilars business in -120 countries across Advanced
and Emerging Markets, a year ahead of schedule.
Over 10 Emerging Markets along with Japan, Australia
and New Zealand have transitioned in this final phase of the integration of the
biosimilars business acquired from Viatris. With the completion of this, Biocon Biologics is now a unique, fully integrated ‘lab to market’ biosimilars company.
Read also: Biocon arm concludes integration of Viatris biosimilar business in 31 European countries
Earlier in 2023, over 70 Emerging Markets were
integrated in July,
the North America business transitioned in
September and the European business in November.
Biocon
Biologics has made several key leadership appointments, built new capabilities
and infrastructure from the ground up and set up dedicated teams to address the
growing needs of patients and customers through self-led and partner or
distributor-led commercial models.
Biocon Biologics will now have a commercial
footprint across ~120 countries with a direct presence in the United States,
Canada, Europe and 9 key Emerging Market countries, namely
India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand,
and the Philippines.
All
Viatris’ biosimilar brands, including Ogivri & Hertraz (bTrastuzumab),
Abevmy (bBevacizumab), Fulphila (bPegfilgrastim), Hulio (bAdalimumab),
Nepexto (bEtanercept), Semglee (bGlargine) and Kirsty (bAspart), will now be
marketed by Biocon Biologics teams, ensuring business continuity for patients,
prescribers, partners, and healthcare systems. Most of these products have been
developed by Biocon Biologics and are being manufactured at the Company’s facilities in India and Malaysia. The diverse portfolio covers key therapeutic
areas of diabetology, oncology and immunology.
“A direct presence in these markets will enable the Company to get closer to patients and strengthen its relationships with prescribers and payers. It will also allow Biocon Biologics to expand its patient reach and generate significant savings for healthcare systems,” the release stated.
Shreehas Tambe, CEO & Managing
Director, Biocon Biologics Ltd, said: “I am very proud and excited that we have successfully
completed the integration of the acquired business across 120 countries. The
conclusion of this final wave of transition is a significant milestone and
marks the beginning of Biocon Biologics’ transformation to a fully integrated
global company. I congratulate and thank the entire Biocon Biologics team –
colleagues, advisors, and partners. This seamless transition, achieved ahead of
schedule, is an outcome of relentless focus, untiring efforts and an unwavering
commitment to patients and business continuity.”
Matthew Erick, Chief
Commercial Officer – Advanced Markets, Biocon Biologics Ltd, said:
“We are
extremely pleased to have reached this historic moment and are proud to say
that biosimilars are not just what we do – they are all that we do. With the
successful completion of the integration, we will be providing patients,
customers, and healthcare providers in North America, Europe and JANZ a strong
portfolio of biosimilars. Our deep expertise, commitment to continual
investment to advance biosimilars throughout the value chain from development,
manufacturing, distribution and commercialization makes us a trusted partner.”
Susheel Umesh, Chief Commercial
Officer – Emerging Markets, Biocon Biologics said: “The completion of the integration marks a key
milestone in Biocon Biologics’ transformational journey towards becoming a
global biosimilars leader. This presents a unique opportunity for our teams to take
Brand Biocon Biologics directly to many markets. This self-led business model in
key Emerging Markets will take us closer to patients, MoHs, prescribers and
payers. It will allow us to expand affordable access to larger patient pools in
these Emerging Markets, thus enabling equitable access to high quality
biosimilars.”