Biocon Launches Biosimilar Semglee

Biocon Biologics and Viatris have launched the biosimilar Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) injection, a branded product, and Insulin Glargine (insulin glargine-yfgn) injection, an unbranded product, to help control high blood sugar in adult and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes. Both biosimilar products are available in a vial and in prefilled pens.

Related: FDA Approves First Interchangeable Biosimilar Insulin

In July 2021, the FDA approved Semglee as interchangeable for the reference brand, Lantus (insulin glargine). An interchangeable biosimilar product may be substituted for the reference product at the pharmacy level.

Several PBMs, including Express Scripts and Prime Therapeutics, have already announced that they will exclude Lantus on their formularies and add Semglee as a preferred product.

Semglee and the nonbranded product were co-developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris. The currently marketed non-interchangeable Semglee will be phased out by the end of the 2021, according to a statement from the companies.

Viatris has established several programs to help to help with patient access, including a patient assistance program, a copay program that limits out-of-pocket expenses, and a program for Medicare Part D that limits out-of-pocket expenses to no more than $35 a month.