Biocon Biologics India Ltd., a fully integrated ‘pure play’ biosimilars company, is bringing its integrated diabetes management program to the Philippines to enable affordable access to quality insulins.
Biocon entered into a memorandum of understanding with the local governments of the municipalities of Pototan and Cuartero in the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz, respectively, as well as with the social enterprise reach52, with the aim of developing a scalable framework to strengthen access to timely, affordable and quality diabetes care at the municipal level in the Philippines.
This is a part of Biocon Biologics’ commitment to unlock universal access to quality insulins through its "Mission 10 cents" program by making recombinant human insulin (rh-insulin) available for less than 10 US cents (around P5) per day in low- and middle-income countries.
“As a committed global insulins player, Biocon Biologics seeks to shift the access paradigm for patients in need of quality insulins across the globe through its 'Mission 10 cents' program. We are pleased to partner with the Philippines government for a long-term, integrated diabetes management program enabling affordable access for patients," said Dr. Christiane Hamacher, Biocon Biologics CEO.
"We are aware of the challenges associated with the affordability of insulin therapy even after 100 years of its discovery and are collaborating with like-minded partners to ensure pricing does not impede access for patients who need this life-saving therapy," Hamacher added.
The Philippines is among the top five countries in Western Pacific Region with high diabetes prevalence. Data from the Department of Health puts the number of Filipinos suffering from diabetes at over 4 million.
“We are excited to work with both reach52 and Biocon Biologics on this program. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the Philippines, affecting everyone from all walks of life. It is my honour and pleasure to facilitate this partnership on behalf of my constituents that will make healthcare accessible to lower-income residents, and look forward to seeing the results of this program deliver better healthcare for our municipality," said Pototan Mayor Rafael Enrique Lazaro.
“Cuartero is a fourth-class municipality, with many of our residents living in upland barangays, far from the rural health unit. Diabetes is still a challenge for them too, and we need innovative partnerships like this one with reach52 and Biocon Biologics to serve everyone in Cuartero with essential health services," said municipal mayor Tito Mayo.
Biocon, which is headquartered in Bangalore, India and is a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd., has nearly two decades of experience in providing insulins and analogs to people with diabetes across the world. Its insulin glargine is commercialized in developed markets of US, Europe, Australia, and Japan.
Through "Mission 10 Cents," Biocon Biologics aims to implement a continuum of care model encompassing a diabetes patient’s journey from awareness to early diagnosis and treatment. This patient-centric model seeks to decentralize diabetes care via task-shifting programs to bring prevention and care closer to where people live.
"Mission 10 cents is not only about offering Biocon’s rh-insulin at a lower price but it is a partnership with diverse stakeholders that goes beyond the product to transform the patient ecosystem and contribute to achieving better health outcomes and reduce cost of care for millions of people living with diabetes in the Philippines," said Dr. Alexander Zach, Global Head of Market Access & Policy of Biocon Biologics.
"With diabetes being one of the most worrying and growing global diseases, our role at reach52 is to find partnerships to help create health for all. I am confident that Biocon Biologics will deliver on that promise and bring affordable insulin and resources to help strengthen local health systems," added Edward Booty, reach52 CEO.