Viatris and Biocon Biologics announced the launch of their bevacizumab product, Abevmy, a biosimilar to Avastin, on the Canadian market.
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.
Eye on Pharma: Sandoz Files Antitrust Suit; Yuflyma Interchangeability; Costco’s Ustekinumab Pick
April 22nd 2025Sandoz's antitrust suit against Amgen, the FDA’s interchangeability designation for Celltrion’s adalimumab biosimilar, and the inclusion of an ustekinumab biosimilar in Costco’s prescription program highlight growing momentum to expand biosimilar access and affordability for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
How AI Can Help Address Cost-Related Nonadherence to Biologic, Biosimilar Treatment
March 9th 2025Despite saving billions, biosimilars still account for only a small share of the biologics market—what's standing in the way of broader adoption and how can artificial intelligence (AI) help change that?
Will the FTC Be More PBM-Friendly Under a Second Trump Administration?
February 23rd 2025On this episode of Not So Different, we explore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) second interim report on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) with Joe Wisniewski from Turquoise Health, discussing key issues like preferential reimbursement, drug pricing transparency, biosimilars, shifting regulations, and how a second Trump administration could reshape PBM practices.
How State Substitution Laws Shape Insulin Biosimilar Adoption
April 15th 2025States with fewer restrictions on biosimilar substitution tend to see higher uptake of interchangeable insulin glargine, showing how even small policy details can significantly influence biosimilar adoption and expand access to more affordable insulin.
Latest Biosimilar Deals Signal Growth Across Immunology, Oncology Markets
April 14th 2025During Q1 2025, pharmaceutical companies accelerated biosimilar expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships in hopes of boosting patient access to lower-cost treatments in immunology and oncology.