Formycon and Bio Usawa Partner Bio to Provide FYB201/ BioUcenta (Ranibizumab) Across Sub-Saharan Africa

Formycon announced a partnership between Bioeq AG—licensee and exclusive global commercialization rights holder for Formycon’s biosimilar FYB201—and African biotechnology company Bio Usawa Biotechnology. The agreement grants Bio Usawa exclusive rights to register and commercialize FYB201 under the brand name BioUcenta across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

BioUcenta (biosimilar to Lucentis [ranibizumab]) is a monoclonal antibody therapy used to treat diabetic macular edema (DME), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy—all of which are growing public health challenges in Africa.

According to Formycon, while ranibizumab has been widely used in wealthier nations for nearly two decades, patients across Sub-Saharan Africa have faced limited access due to high costs and restricted distribution. This new partnership aims to close that gap and deliver a high-quality, affordable biosimilar alternative to millions.

“By making ranibizumab accessible in Sub-Saharan Africa, we are empowering doctors to save the vision of millions, particularly those suffering complications from diabetes—a disease that is quietly but rapidly becoming one of Africa’s greatest health threats,” Dr. Menghis Bairu, Co-founder, President, and CEO of Bio Usawa, said in a news release. “This collaboration is about equity. Access to advanced biologic therapies should not be a privilege of geography or income.”

According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 24 million Africans were living with diabetes in 2024, and that number is projected to double by 2050. Diabetic retinopathy, a leading complication, may affect up to one-third of these patients, often resulting in irreversible vision loss without timely treatment.

FYB201, developed by Bioeq AG—a joint venture between Formycon AG and Polpharma Biologics Group BV—is already approved and available in 21 countries. 

With regulatory preparation already underway, Bio Usawa aims to begin distribution of BioUcenta across key African markets starting in 2026.