Ranbaxy Laboratories has launched Infimab (BOWO15), the first “Remicade” (infliximab) biosimilar in India through a licensing partnership with Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a US and Swiss based biopharmaceutical company focused on the global development and commercialization of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. With this launch, Ranbaxy's entered into mAb (monoclonal antibodies) biologics segment, and will help the company provide greater access to quality biologic medicines in management of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The product was launched at the Indian Rheumatology Association Conference (IRACON) in Chandigarh.

Infimab will be manufactured by Reliance Life Sciences at a facility in Mumbai. The innovator reference product is currently marketed for a treatment of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, alcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

Rajeev Sibal, vice president & country head-India region, Ranbaxy, said, “Infimab offers a new opportunity in the management of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The product has been developed as per global standards and delivers a similar clinical outcome to the innovator. It will be available in India at a very significant discount as compared to the innovator drug. More Indian patients will get the benefit of a world-class biologic treatment.”

Dr Arvind Chopra, consultant Rheumatologist, Pune who was also the principal investigator of clinical trial conducted in India with Infimab state, “There has been an inordinate interest among the medical fraternity in India regarding the launch of Infimab as it is an affordable therapeutic alternative to infliximab with equivalent clinical effectiveness. The availability of the new drug has widened our options to treat several forms of arthritis. This will increase patient access and many more Indian patients will benefit from this biologic treatment The drug will not only be able to stop progression of rheumatoid arthritis but effectively control several of its complications that include bone damage, deformities and osteoporosis. Infimab also has an excellent treatment potential to treat other crippling painful arthritis like ankylosing spondylitis and psoriaInfliximab drugtic arthritis.”

Amit Munshi, president and CEO of Epirus, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ranbaxy to bring Infimab to India. Infimab represents an affordable solution for patients and may expand patient access to this important medicine.”

Along with the affordable pricing of Infimab, Ranbaxy has launched RAISE (Rheumatoid Ailment Infimab Support Endeavor) a patient support programme for improving patient awareness and compliance on therapy. With a similar clinical safety and efficacy to Remicade, a reduced cost of therapy, and patient support programme, Infimab may encourage more patients to initiate and continue treatment, thus potentially improving the overall treatment outcome.