SANDOZ, the global leader in affordable medicines, in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM), has recently hosted a roundtable to shed light on the growing burden of arthritis in Malaysia and the role of biosimilars in improving patient access to effective treatment.
Held in conjunction with World Arthritis Day (Oct 12), the roundtable has enabled experts and patient representatives to discuss the significant health and socio-economic impact of arthritis.
According to AFM, osteoarthritis affects up to one in every five Malaysian adults while rheumatoid arthritis (RA) impacts hundreds of thousands of Malaysians with many still left undiagnosed as they suffer symptoms in silence.
A recent local article reported that only 20% of people with chronic musculoskeletal symptoms seek help from primary care and just 50% of RA patients pursue treatment within a year of symptom onset.
Beyond health, the disease places a substantial economic burden on patients, caregivers and the healthcare system. In fact, RM163 mil is spent annually on RA alone.
“Arthritis is not only a health issue but a socio-economic one with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families and society,” observed Sandoz Malaysia’s country head (Malaysia, Brunei & Singapore) Carlos Patarrana.
“By collaborating with the AFM, we hope to shine a light on the real experiences of patients by emphasising the role biosimilars can play in ensuring that more Malaysians gain access to the treatments they need.”
Added Patarrana: “Proven to be safe, effective and more affordable alternatives to biologics, biosimilars have the potential to transform arthritis care in Malaysia by providing advanced treatments to patients who might otherwise be excluded due to cost barriers”
Concurring with Patarrana, AFM’s president Dr Fariz Yahya revealed that many arthritis patients in Malaysia continue to face barriers in accessing effective treatment, particularly due to cost.
“Through our partnership with Sandoz Malaysia, we aim to raise awareness on the disease impact to patients, families and societies as well as highlight how biosimilar adoption can open the door to better care for more Malaysians,” stressed the consultant rheumatologist at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMSC).
As part of the event, Sandoz Malaysia and AFM also unveiled two patient journey videos that capture the lived experiences of Malaysians with arthritis.
These stories illustrate how access to biosimilars – often for the very first time – has improved patients’ mobility, independence and quality of life while easing the economic burden on families.
“As a global leader in generics and biosimilars, Sandoz Malaysia is committed to pioneering access for patients,” shared Patarrana.
“The collaboration with AFM reflects a shared mission to expand access to affordable, high -quality medicines and raise awareness of how biosimilars can help build a more sustainable healthcare system in Malaysia.” – Oct 15, 2025
