Biocon Biologics and Viatris launch interchangeable Semglee

Biocon Biologics yesterday announced the US launch of interchangeable biosimilars Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) injection, a branded product, and Insulin Glargine (insulin glargine-yfgn) injection, an unbranded product, to help control high blood sugar in adult and pediatric patients with type-I diabetes and adults with type-II diabetes. Both biosimilar products are available in vials and pre-filled pen presentations, and are interchangeable for the reference brand, Lantus (insulin glargine), allowing for substitution at the pharmacy counter, the company said in a statement.

Shreehas Tambe, Deputy CEO, Biocon Biologics, said, “At Biocon Biologics, we are committed to expand access to high-quality, affordable biologics to patients worldwide. The launch of our interchangeable biosimilar insulin glargine in the US by our partner Viatris is in line with our aspiration to provide our biosimilar insulins to ‘one-in-five’ insulin-dependent people with diabetes, globally. This is indeed a landmark event, and along with the recent formulary listings, we believe it will allow us to improve accessibility, availability and adoption of biosimilars in the US for the benefit of patients and the overall healthcare system.”

Adding to it, Jose Cotarelo, Head of North America, Viatris, said, “Viatris has a long-standing commitment to improve patient access to sustainable, quality and more affordable healthcare. We are proud to stay true to that promise by bringing to millions of people with diabetes these interchangeable insulin biosimilar treatment options. We are pleased to also offer a broad range of options to help patients, which are intended to maximise access to these important medicines, regardless of financial circumstances, insurance or channel.”

Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) and Insulin Glargine (insulin glargine-yfgn), co-developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris, are now available in the U.S. market. The currently marketed non-interchangeable Semglee (insulin glargine) is anticipated to be phased out by the end of the year.