New bioequivalent and biosimilar alternatives to cancer treatments launched in Mexico

- Colorectal and prostate cancer drugs arrive in Mexico with savings for patients' pockets and greater access to treatments.
- Synthon, a leading European pharmaceutical company in oncological and high-specialty treatments, makes its way into the Mexican market.

Synthon, a leading European pharmaceutical company in oncology and high-specialty bioequivalents and biosimilar, is launching two new cancer therapies in the Mexican market. The first one is a biosimilar of the active ingredient bevacizumab for colorectal cancer, and the second one is a bioequivalent of the active ingredient abiraterone for prostate cancer. These new alternatives will allow greater access to quality treatments at a lower cost than those on patent, with the same efficacy demonstrated in scientific studies and in compliance with national and international biosafety standards, thus improving the quality of life of Mexicans1.

Colon cancer ranks fifth in mortality rates, and it is estimated that 1,142,286 people suffer from it2. In our country, every year 15 thousand new cases are diagnosed3 and about 6,500 people die4. In the case of prostate cancer, it is estimated that worldwide 1,467,854 people suffer from it and it is the eighth type of cancer with the highest mortality rate. In Mexico, more than 25,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year and because most men are treated in advanced stages5, more than 7,500 people die annually.

Given the high incidence of these diseases, bioequivalent and biosimilar drug alternatives have been developed, which allow greater availability of treatments and contribute to reducing mortality, as well as improving the quality of life of people suffering from cancer and their families.

In a press conference, Carlos Domínguez, CEO of Synthon Mexico, emphasized Synthon's commitment to improve access to healthcare through high specialty medications and new products that appropriately meet medical needs. "Focused on continuous innovation and research, Synthon expands its portfolio with cutting-edge solutions. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for hundreds of Mexicans affected by cancer each year”.

A safe and efficient option

Biosimilar drugs (Biocomparable drugs) are biological products derived from living organisms similar to a patented biotechnology drug with small and controlled molecular modifications, but with the same power to treat diseases, and which have been shown in studies to be biosimialar. Bioequivalents are chemical equivalents of a reference drug and must meet the same quality, efficacy and safety parameters. These drugs are approved by the health regulatory agencies of each country, which guarantees the quality, efficacy and safety of each product for its use and medical prescription.

Worldwide and now in Mexico, the expiration of drug patents opens an opportunity to incorporate biosimilar and bioequivalent drugs of high quality and greater access for different diseases. One of the greatest benefits of these drugs is the lower cost, which for the health sector, represents the opportunity to offer the appropriate treatment to a greater number of people, expanding coverage.

Anish Mehta, CEO of Synthon, emphasizes that the company is dedicated to transform cancer treatment and ensuring that patients receive the care they need. The introduction of biosimilar and bioequivalent therapies for colorectal and prostate cancer marks an important step in this direction.

Looking to the future, the CEO highlights that in Mexico, they are interested in expanding distribution networks, partnering with local healthcare providers, and increasing investment in local research and development.

In this regard, Synthon offers in its product portfolio, therapies that are a viable, reliable, safe, effective and affordable option. The incursion of these bioequivalent and biosimilar treatments for the treatment of cancer represents a hopeful solution to diseases with high incidence and mortality in Mexico and the world.