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Biocon Biologics, a global leader in biosimilars, has released findings from a commissioned study aimed at increasing the adoption of biosimilars in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Developed in collaboration with Clarivate, the study provides key insights and strategies to expand access to affordable healthcare solutions in regions where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer and diabetes have a significant impact. The study's findings have been published in a peer-reviewed article in the Generics and Biosimilars Initiative (GaBI) Journal.
The article, titled "Increasing Adoption of Quality-Assured Biosimilars to Address Access Challenges in Low- and Middle-Income Countries," outlines six policy recommendations to improve access to biosimilars: strengthening regulatory systems, enhancing national policies, encouraging local manufacturing, providing guidance for prescribing biosimilars, promoting educational initiatives, and reinforcing pharmacovigilance efforts.
The study highlights the urgent need for better access to affordable treatments in LMICs, particularly for managing NCDs, which account for 74 per cent of global deaths. With 77 per cent of these deaths occurring in LMICs, there is a critical demand for cost-effective alternatives to expensive biologic treatments. The introduction of biosimilars could significantly improve patient outcomes in these regions by making cutting-edge therapies more accessible.
Susheel Umesh, Chief Commercial Officer - Emerging Markets at Biocon Biologics, emphasised the importance of streamlining regulatory frameworks. "Regulatory agencies must eliminate redundancies and fast-track the approval and commercialisation of biosimilars, especially in countries where healthcare systems are constrained," he said.
Dr. Uwe Gudat, Chief Medical Officer at Biocon Biologics, added that biosimilars could play a transformative role in healthcare for LMICs. "Biosimilars offer affordable alternatives to biologics, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. This study calls for strengthened regulatory support and greater awareness of biosimilars' potential to improve healthcare delivery," Dr. Gudat stated.
