VP describes move as a significant step in expanding the company's portfolio
Fresenius Kabi has officially launched Tyenne®, the first and only approved biosimilar of tocilizumab in Canada. This new treatment option is aimed at improving access to care for patients suffering from various inflammatory and immune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, among others.
The introduction of Tyenne® signifies a milestone for Canadian healthcare, offering a more affordable alternative to higher-priced biologic drugs, according to a news release. Abhi Bhoite, senior director of the Canadian Biopharmaceutical Business Unit at Fresenius Kabi, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing treatment accessibility.
“We are very proud to be the first company to introduce an affordable alternative to tocilizumab treatment option for Canadian healthcare providers and patients living with inflammatory and immune diseases,” Bhoite stated.
Tyenne® will be available in multiple administration forms, including subcutaneous (prefilled syringe and autoinjector) and intravenous (vials).
Darius Panaligan, senior vice president for commercial, EU & ROW, Biopharma at Fresenius Kabi, noted that the approval of Tyenne® is a significant step in expanding the company’s biopharma portfolio. “The approval of Tyenne® in Canada strengthens our growth path to consistently broaden our biopharma portfolio of state-of-the-art medicines,” Panaligan remarked.
Fresenius Kabi’s commitment extends beyond product availability. The company has established KabiCare®, a patient support program designed to assist Canadians prescribed Tyenne®. The program offers comprehensive services, including injection training, reimbursement assistance, and lifestyle assessments. This initiative aims to ensure patients receive ongoing support throughout their treatment journey.
With this launch, Fresenius Kabi becomes a key player in the biosimilars market in Canada as Tyenne® marks the third approved biosimilar from the company available to Canadian patients. The transition to biosimilars has been embraced by all 10 provinces, reflecting a growing recognition of cost-effective treatment solutions in healthcare.
Tyenne® is a biosimilar to Actemra® (tocilizumab), a medication that blocks the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor and is used to treat a range of inflammatory conditions and COVID-19.
