Diseases like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis are treated by the drug Adalimumab, which is sold by Abbvie internationally under the trade name Humira.

Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody and a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug that helps render tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) inactive.

Recently, Indian pharmaceutical company Cadila Pharmaceuticals launched the drug Adalimumab biosimilar, which is its fourth drug under the bio-similar category. The launch of Adalimumab biosimilar was announced by them to be sold domestically under the trade name Cadalimab in India.

They have also launched three more bio-similar drugs within the last two months under the trade name Bevaro, Ritucad, and NuPTH, which treats osteoporosis and cancer.

“Amit Ajmera, VP, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, stated that they wanted to provide a solution that’s cost-effective in treating patients with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis as there are approximately seven million people suffering from RA and 0.44-2.8 percent people suffering from psoriasis in India. He also stated that though it’s not a life-threatening disease, it can be very painful. Thus, launching Cadalimab will provide these patients with an opportunity to lead a better life.”

Adalimumab biosimilars that are available in India

1. Cadalimab

Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd’s recent innovation, Cadalimab, is an Adalimumab biosimilar which is used for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody and a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug that helps render tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) inactive. It’s also recommended for the treatment of various other diseases. Adalimumab is a well-known drug under the trade name Humira by Abbvie.

2. Mabura

In January 2018, the launch of the product Mabura (a similar biologic’ of Adalimumab) was announced by Hetero Group (Hetero), an India-based generic makers, making it is Hetero’s fourth similar biologic to be launched in India.

3. Exemptia

According to Zydus Cadila, not only is their “similar biologic,” Exemptia, a clone of the originator in regards to purity, potency, and safety of the product but also is the world’s first company to roll out a biosimilar of Adalimumab.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A chronic inflammatory disorder is known as Rheumatoid arthritis, which can not only affect your joints but can affect your internal organs and tissues. It’s an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your own internal organs or body tissues, unlike Osteoarthritis, which is caused due to damage caused by the wear-and-tear of joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects not only the joints’ lining but also causes severe swelling leading to bone erosion and joint deformity, causing immense pain.