The drugs are biosimilar of Roche’s Rituxan (rituximab). 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.

Sandoz’s Riximyo was approved on 28 April 2020 as a solution for intravenous injection in dosages of 100 mg/10 mL and 500 mg/50 mL. Pfizer’s Ruxience was approved on 4 May 2020 as a 10 mg/mL solution for intravenous injection.

These approvals bring the total rituximab biosimilars approved in Canada up to three. Teva Canada Innovation, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, had its rituximab biosimilar, Truxima (CT P10) approved by Health Canada in April 2019 [1].

The drugs are currently under consideration for public reimbursement by the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance for public reimbursement on federal, provincial and territorial drug formularies.

Related articles
Biosimilars of rituximab

Biosimilars approved in Canada

Reference
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Rituximab biosimilar Truxima approved in Canada [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2020 May 22]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/News/Rituximab-biosimilar-Truxima-approved-in-Canada

Permission granted to reproduce for personal and non-commercial use only. All other reproduction, copy or reprinting of all or part of any ‘Content’ found on this website is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. Contact the publisher to obtain permission before redistributing.

Copyright – Unless otherwise stated all contents of this website are © 2020 Pro Pharma Communications International. All Rights Reserved.