Biocon Biologics and Viatris launch Abevmy in Canada

Biocon Biologics and Viatris recently launched Abevmy (bBevacizumab) — a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and neutralises its biologic activity — in Canada. Abevmy, co-developed by the two companies, is a biosimilar to Roche’s Avastin (Bevacizumab), and has been approved by Health Canada across four oncology indications, the companies informed via a joint statement.

The approval was based on a comprehensive analytical, pre-clinical and clinical programme. Abevmy is authorised for use in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC); locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC); platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer; and malignant glioma (WHO Grade IV) – Glioblastoma.

The two formats approved and now available in Canada are: 100 mg/4 mL single-use vial and 400 mg/16 mL single-use vial, the statement further said.

Abevmy follows the launch of two oncology biosimilars in Canada, Ogivri (bTrastuzumab) in 2019 – the first Trastuzumab approved in the country – and Fulphila (bPegfilgrastim), which was launched in 2020. In addition to the therapeutic area of oncology, Viatris Canada launched Hulio (bAdalimumab) in February 2021 for chronic inflammatory conditions, according to the statement.

The Viatris Advocate programme that offers support and resources for patients, their caregivers and their healthcare providers, is also available for Abevmy, the statement added.