Pune-based biotechnology company Enzene Biosciences, a subsidiary of Alkem Laboratories, has begun commercial supplies of Adalimumab for treating Ankylosis Spondylitis (AS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

This is the company’s fourth Biosimilar launch in recent times and the company believes that this first commercial launch using continuous manufacturing technology will help in reducing the cost of RA treatment for millions of patients across India.

Biosimilar medicines have an important role to play in increasing the affordability of treatments for various serious conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. However, conventional biologics manufacturing process is extremely cost intensive, and despite the availability of biosimilars the access to these medicines still remains limited due to their high cost. Enzene is one of the first movers globally in developing fully integrated continuous manufacturing platform. 

Adalimumab development included a comparative efficacy and safety studies in patients with Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as Marie-Strumpell disease or Bechterew's disease.