Biocon clears path for cancer drug launch

Biocon on Wednesday said it has entered into a global settlement and license agreement with Genentech for breast cancer drug Pebrilzo, its biosimilar to the reference product Perjeta (Pertuzumab). The patent settlement agreement resolves all pending disputes between the two companies across multiple jurisdictions, including the US and Canada, the biopharmaceutical company said in a regulatory filing on WednesdayUnder the terms of the agreement, Biocon is cleared to launch Pebrilzo in the European Union and UK in the first quarter of calendar year (CY) 2027, followed by a launch in US in Q3 of CY 2028. For other world markets, the launch is slated for 2026-28, or earlier under certain circumstances.Also read: Biocon founder says India must shift pharma industry from generics to innovation-led growthThe company said product launches across all countries and regions remain subject to regulatory approvals. Other terms of the settlement remain confidential.Pebrilzo is a biosimilar medicine with Pertuzumab as its active substance and is indicated for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer across multiple disease stages.