Biocon Secures Marketing Approval for Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar in Japan

Biocon, a Bengaluru-based biotech firm, has secured marketing approval for its pegfilgrastim biosimilar in Japan. The product will be marketed by Swiss giant Sandoz and is designed to prevent chemotherapy-induced neutropenia loss.

Pegfilgrastim is an onco-supportive therapy that helps the body produce neutrophils (white blood cells) after chemotherapy, lowering the risk of serious infections and fever. The innovator brand, Neulasta from Amgen, had sales of over $5 billion before falling to around $435 million last year amid increasing competition.

Biocon joins domestic peers Lupin and Amneal in marketing this product, while Aurobindo Pharma is at the development stage. Zydus Lifesciences recently acquired a novel alternative through its $166-million takeover of US-based Assertio Holdings.