On August 19, 2019 Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY) reported that it has launched Versavo (bevacizumab), a biosimilar of Roche’s Avastin in India, indicated for the treatment of several types of cancers (metastatic colorectal cancer, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, recurrent glioblastoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, metastatic breast cancer and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer) (Press release, Dr Reddy’s, AUG 19, 2019, View Source [SID1234538855]).

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Dr. Reddy’s Versavo is available in strengths of 100mg and 400mg single use vials.

Commenting on the launch, MV Ramana, CEO – India and Emerging Markets, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, said, "We regard the good health of our patients as our responsibility and are committed to ensure that they always have access to the medicines they need. The launch of Versavo is another step in that journey and helps strengthen our Oncology portfolio."

Dr. Raymond De Vré, Global Head, Biologics, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories added "Versavo will help improve access to high quality therapy at an affordable cost, addressing the needs of patients with different cancers in India."

Avastin and its biosimilars had India sales of approximately INR 223 Crore MAT for the most recent twelve months ending in December 2018, according to Ipsos*.

Dr. Reddy’s now has six biosimilar products commercialized in India and various emerging markets and an active development pipeline of several biosimilar products in the oncology and immunology space.

*Ipsos India Tandem Oncology Monitor 2018

About Biosimilars

Biosimilarity means1:

That the biological product is highly similar to the reference product notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components; and,

There are no clinically meaningful differences between the biological product and the reference product in terms of the safety, purity, and potency of the product.