Mubai-based global pharmaceutical company Lupin has announced recently that it has launched Rymti, the first biosimilar in Canada, in partnership with Sandoz Canada, marking a significant milestone in offering new treatment options for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

Rymti is indicated for the treatment of various conditions, including moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents. It has been approved for all therapeutic indications of the reference product, Enbrel.

The drug, containing etanercept, offers an established therapy option for several chronic inflammatory diseases. It was first approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in 2019 by the PMDA, followed by approvals from the EMA in 2020 and Health Canada in 2022.

One of the notable features of Rymti is its patient-friendly application through a pre-filled pen and syringe, enhancing ease of use and potentially improving treatment compliance. Studies have shown high patient acceptance of the pre-filled pen, which is latex-free and suitable for self-injection.

With equivalent efficacy and safety to the reference product Enbrel, Rymti presents a cost-effective treatment alternative, contributing to sustainable healthcare and treatment options. Health Canada approved Rymti in August 2022, affirming its quality and effectiveness.

Vinita Gupta, CEO of Lupin, expressed delight at the launch of Rymti in Canada, emphasising Lupin's commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility and affordability for patients.

Dr Cyrus Karkaria, President of Biotechnology at Lupin, highlighted the importance of bringing etanercept to patients in Canada, emphasising Lupin's dedication to providing effective and affordable healthcare solutions.

Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada, described the launch of Rymti as a key milestone, underscoring the company's commitment to increasing access to treatment options for patients.

Etanercept, the active ingredient in Rymti, is an injectable biologic medicine that targets Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF), a key cytokine involved in chronic inflammatory diseases. By specifically binding to TNF and blocking its activity, etanercept reduces inflammation and alleviates disease symptoms.