Global pharma major Lupin Limited has announced that Health Canada has approved Rymti, its biosimilar to Enbrel (etanercept), for use in Canada.

Rymti is indicated in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis), plaque psoriasis, and paediatric plaque psoriasis.

“Lupin is committed to enhancing patient access to high-quality, life-enhancing biosimilars,” said Dr. Cyrus Karkaria, President, Lupin Biotech.

” The approval for Rymti in Canada is a key milestone in our endeavors to improve access to medicines. It underscores the scientific success of Lupin’s biosimilar programs and our commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation,” added Dr. Karkaria.

“The approval of Rymti is an important first step for Lupin’s biosimilar franchise in Canada,” said Dr. Sofia Mumtaz, President – Legal & Compliance and Canada, Australia, and Japan.

“We believe biosimilars will provide more Canadians with access to quality treatment, while reducing healthcare costs,” added Mumtaz. 

Etanercept is an injectable, biologic medicine which inhibits Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF). TNF is a key cytokine involved in the pro-inflammatory cascade in many chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis or plaque psoriasis. By specifically binding to TNF, etanercept blocks its activity, thereby reducing inflammation and other disease symptoms.