Biocon Limited, a global biopharmaceutical company, has signed a partnership agreement with Bahiafarma and Bionovis for the production and commercialisation of Pertuzumab in Brazil. The agreement marks an important step in expanding access to treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer and strengthening local healthcare capabilities in the country.
The consortium of Biocon, Bahiafarma and Bionovis has received 100% allocation under Brazil’s 10-year Productive Development Partnership (PDP) programme for Pertuzumab. The programme gives the consortium exclusive access to Brazil’s public healthcare market, which accounts for nearly 70% of the country’s demand for the medicine.
Under the agreement, Biocon will receive milestone payments and a share of revenues generated through the PDP opportunity over the 10-year period. The partnership also includes plans for phased localisation of the product in Brazil over the medium to long term.
Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The medicine is currently not manufactured locally in Brazil and represents a significant cost for the country’s Unified Health System, known as SUS. Shreehas Tambe, CEO and Managing Director, Biocon, said, “Brazil is an important country for Biocon, and this long-term supply contract for Pertuzumab marks a significant milestone in our journey. Through our partnership with Bahiafarma and Bionovis, we aim to expand access to high-quality and affordable treatment for more patients living with HER2-positive breast cancer. This collaboration brings together science, manufacturing capabilities and local expertise to create a sustainable pathway for access to this important therapy.”
Ceuci Nunes, CEO of Bahiafarma, said the partnership represents progress in strengthening Brazil’s public health system and building local capabilities for the production of complex medicines.
Odnir Finotti, CEO of Bionovis, said the collaboration supports Brazil’s efforts to expand access to advanced biological medicines while strengthening domestic manufacturing and technology capabilities.
Bahiafarma is a public pharmaceutical laboratory of the State of Bahia focused on research, innovation and the production and supply of medicines for Brazil’s public healthcare system. Bionovis is a Brazilian biotechnology company engaged in the development, manufacturing and commercialisation of complex biological medicines and biosimilars.
Biocon said the partnership reflects its continued focus on making affordable, high-quality medicines available to patients across global markets. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company operates in more than 120 countries and has built a strong portfolio across biosimilars and generic medicines, including therapies for diabetes, oncology, immunology, cardiovascular diseases and other major health conditions.
