Sandoz Malaysia has partnered with Alpro Pharmacy to launch the first biosimilar treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients in Malaysia. This strategic collaboration, formalised through a recent agreement, aims to improve patient access to affordable, quality treatment, particularly for those referred from government hospitals.
The integration of Sandoz biosimilars into Alpro Pharmacy’s OncoHelp Programme is set to broaden treatment pathways for NHL and RA patients. Christine Chong, Country Head of Sandoz Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, highlighted the importance of biosimilars in expanding access to proven treatment options, especially in oncology and chronic immune-related conditions. “In Malaysia, NHL is the eighth most common cancer, often requiring long-term and costly treatment,” she said. “This collaboration is crucial in providing more affordable treatment and continuous care support.”
Alpro Pharmacy’s OncoHelp Programme offers a comprehensive support service for cancer patients and their families, aiming to make cancer care more accessible and understandable. Joelle Wong Pei Sen, Alpro OncoHelp Programme Lead, emphasised the role of community pharmacies in patient support, stating, “Through OncoHelp, we provide counselling, medication guidance, and continuous care coordination.”
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare access and sustainability in Malaysia. It combines Sandoz’s expertise in biosimilars with Alpro Pharmacy’s extensive community network, supporting thousands of families nationwide. As Malaysia faces increasing challenges in managing cancer and chronic immune conditions, timely access to treatment remains critical.
