India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 24 June 2025
In a major milestone in equitable cancer treatment, Biocon Biologics partnered with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to put into action a Patient Assistance Programme (PAP) in order to increase access to affordable, quality, high-quality biosimilars for disadvantaged cancer patients.
The PAP, which was launched in a ceremony at the National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the NCSM in front of Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Malaysian Minister of Health.
Under the PAP, Biocon Biologics will donate quality-assured biosimilars from The Oncology Portfolio, including trastuzumab, pegfilgrastim and bevacizumab, while NCSM will enroll patients and dispense medicines. The rollout will start with bTrastuzumab for patients who delayed treatment because of budgetary constraints.
Ratish Trehan, head of commercial, emerging markets, Biocon Biologics, said, “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. 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. Together, we hope to positively impact thousands of lives and strengthen Malaysia’s efforts to deliver inclusive, patient-centric healthcare.”
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Having previously enabled access to diabetes care for more than 345,000 patients in Malaysia, Biocon Biologics is now expanding its footprint into oncology. We believe NCSM, who has a long legacy of trust and involvement within the community, is a natural partner to help us democratize cancer treatment and support equitable healthcare.