Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL), a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, has achieved a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The company recently received approval from Health Canada for Yesintek™ and Yesintek™ I.V., biosimilars to Stelara® (ustekinumab).

Key Highlights

• Approval Date: October 17, 2025
• Commercial Availability: Mid-October 2025
• Indications: Treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderately to severely active Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis

Product Details

Market Impact

This approval marks Biocon Biologics' entry into the Canadian market, following its successful launch in the United States. The expansion strengthens the company's presence in North America and enhances its immunology portfolio.

Shreehas Tambe, CEO & Managing Director of Biocon Biologics, emphasized the significance of this approval, stating, "Health Canada's approval of Yesintek™ marks a significant milestone in our mission to expand global access to high-quality biosimilars."

Patient Support

Biocon Biologics plans to make Yesintek available through the My Biocon Biologics™ patient support program, which will provide assistance to individuals prescribed with the therapy.

Market Strategy

Ramy Ayad, Head of Canada at Biocon Biologics, highlighted the company's commitment to advancing biosimilar adoption in Canada. The strategy aims to improve patient outcomes and deliver meaningful savings to the healthcare ecosystem by expanding access in both public and private markets.

Broader Impact

This approval aligns with Biocon Biologics' mission to transform healthcare and improve lives globally. The company has already commercialized 10 biosimilars across 120+ countries, serving over 6 million patients. With a pipeline of 20 biosimilar assets, Biocon Biologics continues to focus on key therapeutic areas including diabetology, oncology, immunology, and ophthalmology.

As Biocon Biologics continues to expand its global footprint, this latest approval in Canada represents a significant step forward in the company's growth strategy and its commitment to providing affordable access to high-quality biosimilars worldwide.

In a significant move towards addressing Bengaluru's infrastructure challenges, Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw recently met with Karnataka's top leadership during Deepavali greetings. The meetings, which included discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, centered around cooperation for the city's development.

Key Highlights of the Meetings

• Mazumdar-Shaw assured cooperation for Bengaluru's development
• Deputy CM Shivakumar confirmed industry leaders' agreement to cooperate
• Plans announced to meet with IT/BT industry leaders
• Visits to local bodies adjacent to Greater Bengaluru Authority area planned

Background and Context

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, a prominent voice in Bengaluru's business community, has been vocal about the city's infrastructure problems through her social media posts. The meetings come against the backdrop of criticism faced by the state government over poor road conditions and traffic issues, with industry veterans including Mazumdar-Shaw and former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai expressing their concerns.

Government's Response

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar's statement that industry leaders have agreed to cooperate with Bengaluru's development and will not hurt the city marks a positive step towards collaborative problem-solving. The government's proactive approach in planning meetings with IT/BT industry leaders and visiting local bodies signals a commitment to addressing the city's challenges.

Political Interactions

Mazumdar-Shaw's meetings were not limited to the ruling party. She also met with:

• Veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa
• BJP MLA C N Ashwath Narayan

These interactions highlight the non-partisan nature of the efforts to improve Bengaluru's infrastructure.

Recognition

During these meetings, Mazumdar-Shaw was congratulated on being ranked the 3rd richest woman in the world, underscoring her significant role in India's business landscape.

The meetings between Biocon's chief and Karnataka's leadership represent a crucial step towards addressing Bengaluru's developmental challenges. As the city continues to grow as a major IT and biotechnology hub, collaboration between the government and industry leaders will be vital in ensuring sustainable development and maintaining Bengaluru's competitive edge on the global stage.