SANDOZ Australia has launched its etanercept biosimilar, Erelzi, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) today, providing a third biosimilar option in addition to originator product Enbrel (Pfizer).

The drug is used to treat specific types of joint inflammation and skin conditions, namely rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis.

“Biosimilar medicines are essential to ensure patients and healthcare providers have affordable choices to high-quality medicines, supporting long-term sustainability of the healthcare system,” said Natalie Armstrong, Sandoz’s Head of Marketing.

“With the availability of government funding for Erelzi, we’re proud to be a driving force of change in the expansion of access to a trusted and equivalent treatment option for Australians living with autoimmune conditions.”

Sandoz suggested that a healthy competitive market that includes multiple biosimilar brands is expected to result in a lower cost for access to biological medicines through the PBS.

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