Sandoz (SIX: SDZ / OTCQX: SDZNY), a global leader in affordable medicines, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunway Medical Centre to strengthen patient education, improve understanding and adoption of biosimilars, and support clinical excellence in lymphoma care across Malaysia.
Despite a significant disease burden, access to biologic therapies in Malaysia remains uneven due to gaps in awareness and healthcare system constraints. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is among the country’s most common cancers, with more than 2,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where biologic therapies are a critical component of treatment. However, initiating and sustaining such therapies continues to be a challenge for many patients.
The MoU, which is effective until 31 December 2026, establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at building confidence in biosimilars among healthcare professionals, patients and the wider public. The partnership will initially focus on lymphoma care and will include patient engagement and support sessions, development of educational materials, public awareness initiatives aligned with World Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and clinical engagement through medical symposia.
Christine Chong, Country Head of Sandoz Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, highlighted the importance of improving access alongside awareness. She noted that while biologic therapies are essential for lymphoma outcomes, many patients struggle with access and treatment continuity.
Christine Chong, Country Head, Sandoz Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, said: “Lymphoma is an area where biologic therapies are critical to patient outcomes, yet many patients face challenges accessing or sustaining treatment. Biosimilars offer the same clinical outcomes as reference biologics, with no meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness, while helping to reduce access barriers and improve system efficiency. However, access is not only about availability – it depends on awareness, understanding and confidence among healthcare professionals and patients. Sunway’s leadership in clinical excellence and patient engagement makes them a highly-valued partner in improving lymphoma care and advancing broader understanding and confidence in biosimilars in Malaysia”
Dr Seow Vei Ken, CEO of Sunway Medical Centre, through a press release shared with PP Health Malaysia (PPHM) said: “Collaborations with partners like Sandoz is essential for hospitals such as ours, as they bring global expertise and resources that help us stay at the forefront of medical innovation. By working together, we can ensure our patients have access to the latest advancements, such as biosimilars, which represent significant progress in effective treatment options.”
“Through this partnership, we are committed to providing education and outreach that equips our community with the knowledge and confidence to embrace new therapies. Our goal is to deliver care to more patients, while supporting the sustainable advancement of healthcare in Malaysia,” Dr Seow added.
Globally, biosimilars are widely used to improve access to advanced therapies and have been shown to support earlier treatment, better continuity of care and long-term healthcare sustainability when supported by strong regulation and education.
As more biologic medicines lose exclusivity in the coming years, Malaysia has a significant opportunity to realise similar system-wide benefits through responsible adoption and collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.
The collaboration reflects Sandoz’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to high-quality and timely treatment through science-led partnerships.
In 2026, as Sandoz marks 140 years of global heritage and 20 years since pioneering the world’s first biosimilar, the company continues to draw on decades of scientific expertise to help more patients benefit from innovation while supporting sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.
