Biocon Biologics has formed a strategic partnership with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to launch a Patient Assistance Programme aimed at improving access to affordable, high-quality biosimilars for underserved cancer patients in Malaysia. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
Program Structure and Implementation
Under the partnership, Biocon Biologics will provide quality-assured biosimilars from its oncology portfolio, including trastuzumab, pegfilgrastim, and bevacizumab, to NCSM. The Malaysian not-for-profit organization will manage patient enrollment and medicine supply as part of its healthcare services, leveraging its established community outreach network.
The program will begin by offering trastuzumab to cancer patients who are unable to start or continue treatment due to budget constraints. This initial focus addresses a critical gap in cancer care accessibility, where financial barriers often lead to treatment delays.
Strategic Significance
"Our partnership with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia marks a meaningful step forward in expanding access to high-quality oncology biosimilars for cancer patients in need," said Ratish Trehan, head of commercial for emerging markets at Biocon Biologics. "This collaboration, which combines our scientific expertise with NCSM's strong community outreach and patient support network, aims to ease the treatment burden for underserved populations."
The partnership represents an expansion of Biocon's healthcare initiatives in Malaysia, building on the company's previous success in diabetes care where it has served over 345,000 patients through affordable treatment programs.
Organizational Collaboration
NCSM, Malaysia's first not-for-profit cancer organization, provides education, care, and support services and has earned a strong reputation for fair practices and community trust. This established credibility makes it an ideal partner for Biocon Biologics' patient assistance initiative.
The MoU was signed by Ratish Trehan and Dato' Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, president of NCSM, in the presence of Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Malaysia's Minister of Health, emphasizing the program's alignment with national healthcare priorities.
Impact on Cancer Care Access
The collaboration aims to positively impact thousands of lives and strengthen Malaysia's efforts to deliver inclusive, patient-centric healthcare. By combining Biocon's biosimilar manufacturing expertise with NCSM's community reach, the program addresses both the supply and distribution challenges that often limit access to essential cancer treatments in underserved populations.
