Fresenius Kabi Canada has announced the commercial availability of Tyenne®, the first and only tocilizumab biosimilar in the Canadian market. This landmark launch provides healthcare providers and patients with an affordable alternative to the reference biologic Actemra® (tocilizumab) for treating various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
The biosimilar is now available in multiple formulations, including subcutaneous (prefilled syringe and autoinjector) and intravenous (vials) options, offering flexibility in administration based on patient needs and clinical requirements.
Expanding Treatment Access for Multiple Conditions
Tyenne® has received approval for treating several inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), giant cell arteritis (GCA), polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and COVID-19.
"We are proud that we are the first company to introduce an affordable alternative tocilizumab treatment option for Canadian healthcare providers and patients dealing with inflammatory and immune diseases," stated Abhi Bhoite, Senior Director and Head of Commercial at Fresenius Kabi Biopharma, Canada.
The launch represents a significant step in increasing accessibility to critical biologic therapies, particularly for patients who may face barriers due to the high cost of original biologics. By providing a more affordable option, Tyenne® aims to ensure that more Canadian patients can access the treatment they need.
Growing Biosimilar Portfolio
This launch follows the recent introduction of Idacio® (adalimumab) Citrate-free formulation, marking Tyenne® as Fresenius Kabi's second approved immunology biosimilar available in Canada for rheumatology conditions. The expansion aligns with the company's #FutureFresenius strategy to grow its biopharma portfolio.
Darius Panaligan, Senior Vice President Commercials EU & RoW at Fresenius Kabi Biopharma, emphasized the strategic importance of this approval: "The approval of Tyenne® in Canada enhances our growth trajectory, enabling us to consistently expand our biopharma portfolio of state-of-the-art medicines."
Comprehensive Patient Support
Patients prescribed Tyenne® will have access to KabiCare®, Fresenius Kabi's dedicated patient support program. The program offers a range of services including injection training, reimbursement assistance, bloodwork coordination, lifestyle assessments, and a dedicated point of contact for ongoing support.
This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive education and guidance throughout their treatment journey, addressing potential barriers to medication adherence and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications
As an IL-6 receptor blocker, tocilizumab works by inhibiting the binding of interleukin-6 to its receptors, thereby reducing inflammation associated with various autoimmune conditions. This mechanism makes it particularly effective for conditions characterized by dysregulated immune responses.
The availability of Tyenne® in both subcutaneous and intravenous formulations allows healthcare providers to tailor administration methods to individual patient needs, potentially improving treatment adherence and outcomes.
Market Impact and Healthcare Economics
The introduction of biosimilars like Tyenne® is expected to significantly impact healthcare economics in Canada. By offering a lower-cost alternative to the reference biologic, biosimilars can help reduce the financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
This launch represents part of a broader trend toward increasing biosimilar adoption in Canada, which aims to create a more sustainable healthcare system while ensuring patients maintain access to essential biologic therapies.
Fresenius Kabi continues to strengthen its position in the global healthcare market, with operations in over 100 countries and a workforce exceeding 41,000 employees. The company's holistic approach to healthcare combines experience, expertise, and innovation to serve approximately 450 million patients annually worldwide.
