Abbott has received regulatory approval for Thailand's first denosumab biosimilar, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to advanced bone disease treatments for millions of Thai patients. The approval makes this biologic therapy more affordable and accessible for an estimated 3 million people suffering from osteoporosis and bone-disease related illness in the country.
"For people living with osteoporosis or cancer-related bone disease, access to a denosumab biologic can be truly life-changing," said Karim Elmashad, divisional vice president of Abbott's medicines business in Asia Pacific. "With this approval, people in Thailand affected by these conditions now have greater access to this transformative therapy."
Growing Health Challenge in Thailand
Osteoporosis represents a serious public health concern in Thailand, with the condition having a significant and often debilitating impact, including fractures that lead to loss of independence and reduced quality of life. The disease affects 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men in Thailand, with prevalence increasing significantly with age.
The burden is expected to intensify as Thailand's population ages, with projections showing 25% of the population will be aged 60 or older within the next decade. This demographic shift is anticipated to drive a sharp rise in osteoporosis-related fractures, disability, and healthcare costs.
Addressing Treatment Gaps
Despite the significant health impact, treatment access remains limited. Fewer than 40% of hip fracture patients in Thailand begin anti-osteoporosis therapy, often due to barriers such as cost, awareness, and treatment availability. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can lead to loss of independence and reduced quality of life, making accessible treatment options crucial for patient outcomes.
Strategic Expansion in Asia-Pacific
The denosumab biosimilar approval builds on Abbott's expanding biosimilar portfolio in the Asia-Pacific region, following recent launches in Malaysia and India. Abbott will provide denosumab as part of its broader strategy to expand access to high-quality medicines across key therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology and women's health through strategic partnerships with biotechnology companies.
With a 135-year history of delivering life-changing healthcare solutions, Abbott is accelerating its expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. The introduction of denosumab in Thailand represents a significant step in addressing the region's growing burden of chronic diseases while expanding access to high-quality treatment at a more accessible price point.
