Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against the protein CD20, which is primarily found on the surface of immune system B cells. Rituximab destroys B cells and is therefore used to treat diseases that are characterized by excessive number of B cells, overactive B cells or dysfunctional B cells. This includes many lymphomas, leukaemias, transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders.

The news marks Biocad’s first venture into Latin America, a move which it says ‘is strategically important for further business development in the markets of the MERCOSUR and other countries in region’.

Biocad expects to start shipping its rituximab similar biotherapeutic product to Bolivia and Honduras in the third quarter of 2017.

There are currently only originator biologicals in the Bolivian and Honduran markets. Therefore, the launch of the Russian similar biotherapeutic product will, according to Biocad, ‘provide the patients with an access to affordable and highly effective treatment of cancer, thus improving their life quality and expectancy’.

Biocad’s rituximab non-originator biological was approved in Russia in April 2014 [1].

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Reference
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Rituximab non-originator biological approved in Russia [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2017 Jul 14]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/News/Biosimilar-rituximab-approved-in-Russia

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