Tranz-Life shapes the environment for biological and biosimilar medicines in Pakistan

Biologic and biosimilar medicines, are major advancements in treatment for difficult-to-treat diseases; mainly in cancers, autoimmune and infectious diseases. The benefits of these drugs are not fully passed on to patients in Pakistan due to low awareness on the subject and delayed approvals from regulatory authorities for newer biologics. Tranz-Life, being partners in innovation for disease management and awareness, organized seminars on the uses of biological and biosimilars by Professor Joachim W. Herzig, from Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University.

In a seminar at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Professor Herzig spoke to a large gathering of researchers and post graduate students, elaborating on the significance of biological and biosimilar medicines that revolutionize difficult to treat diseases. He also emphasized the insurmountable importance of students’ and researchers’ involvement in this emerging area, where international medical corporations are investing huge sum of its R&D investment. Similarly, Professor Dr. Iqbal Azhar, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, in his concluding remarks, looks forward to the pharma industry supporting research among the students.Earlier, Shamsul Islam, Managing Director, Tranz-Life, highlighted the need for increasing awareness of biological & biosimilar medicines in patients, physicians and healthcare system, especially in regulatory frame work (DRAP) to provider fast track approvals of these revolutionary medicines to avoid the use of smuggled or substandard biologics. Biologics are produced by using living organisms, unlike small molecule drugs, which are made with chemicals. Biologics target diseases such as arthritis, anemia, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and certain types of cancer. Each one requires in-depth, state-of-the-art research, followed by long approval processes and very complex manufacturing processes using living micro-organisms. This is why development costs are extortionate when compared to “standard” industrial or chemical drugs.Biosimilars are similar versions of originator biologics that have lost patent protection. They are also made using living cells, so they have the same natural variability as any biological, which is why they are not referred to as “generic biologics.” To be approved, a biosimilar must be proven in extremely strict laboratory and clinical trials to match the safety and efficacy, and to deliver the same therapeutic effect as the existing biologic. Dr. Syed Talha Raza, Head Medical Affairs at Tranz-Life, answered a question regarding the production of biologicals locally; stating that due to strict control of pricing by DRAP, local and international investors believe that there are too many challenges to make production viable. Tranz-Life thus takes on the challenge of connecting all stakeholders to bring new biologicals to Pakistan.
About Tranz-Life
Tranz-Life is a true Contract Sales Organization (CSO) and globally accredited CRO partnership (JIGSAW). It partners with the healthcare industry for its services in disease awareness and therapeutic innovation. Tranz-Life also helps manage patient support groups for medication adherence and health advisory.