The pegfilgrastim biosimilar is delivered subcutaneously to reduce the duration of neutropenia and the incidence of febrile neutropenia in adult patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignancy (with the exception of chronic myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes).  Neutropenia refers to an abnormally low number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) which can increase the risk of life-threatening infections and is a common side effect of chemotherapy. The biosimilar product was approved in the European Union in November 2018.

This strategic deal expands patients’ access to pegfilgrastim therapy in four countries of Egis. With this agreement Egis gained the exclusive rights to introduce the biosimilar medicine in Hungary, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia.

Egis CEO Istvan Hodasz commented, “Egis is looking forward to launching its fourth biosimilar medicine in Central Eastern Europe.  We are highly committed to improve patient access to affordable, high-end therapeutic options in CEE and CIS countries.  The agreement with Mundipharma further strengthens the stable partnership between our companies.”