Bengaluru : Biocon Biologics Ltd, a subsidiary of Biocon and Viatris Inc, 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 1 diabetes and adults with
type 2 diabetes.
In a statement Biocon Biologics Ltd informed that both biosimilar products are available in
vial and prefilled pen presentations and are interchangeable for the reference brand,
LANTUS® (insulin glargine), allowing for substitution at the pharmacy counter.
Commenting on the launch of both biosimilar products in US, Shreehas Tambe, Deputy CEO,
Biocon Biologics said, “The launch of our interchangeable biosimilar insulin glargine in the
U.S. 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 U.S. for the benefit of patients and
the overall healthcare system.”
SEMGLEE (insulin glargine-yfgn) and Insulin Glargine (insulin glargine-yfgn), co-developed
by Viatris and Biocon Biologics, 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 2021 calendar year.
Speaking about the launch, Jose Cotarelo, Viatris Head of North America, said: “We are
extremely 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 maximize access to these
important medicines, regardless of financial circumstances, insurance or channel.”
To further expand access to insulins, Viatris has established a range of options to help
patients, which includes, a patient assistance program, which may provide free medicine to
eligible patients with demonstrated financial need. Copay Program offered for eligible
commercially-insured patients, which may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses on
prescriptions to as little as $0 per 30-day supply. Voucher for new patients to receive five free
3 ml pens or two free 10 ml vials. Also, cash-pay programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs
when paying at the pharmacy counter.
