Biocon, Sandoz to develop next-gen biosimilars in immunology, oncology

Biocon has partnered with Sandoz, a Novartis division and a leading player in biosimilars, to develop, manufacture and commercialise multiple biosimilars in immunology and oncology for patients worldwide.
According to the deal, both companies will share responsibility for end-to-end development, manufacturing and global regulatory approvals for a number of products and will have a cost-and-profit share arrangement globally.
They did not divulge specifics but said that worldwide commercialisation responsibilities will be divided with Sandoz leading commercialisation in North America and EU, while Biocon will lead commercialisation in the rest of the world.
Biocon Chairperson and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, said: “This synergistic partnership will enable us to scale up our capabilities for an ‘end-to-end’ play in the global biosimilars space. We remain committed to pursue our mission of developing biopharmaceuticals that have the potential to benefit a billion patients across the globe.”
Biocon's push towards biosimilars has yielded good dividends. Recently, Biocon got a nod from the US FDA for its biosimilar Trastuzumab, a first for an Indian biotech company. Biocon was among the earliest pharma companies in India to spot the opportunity offered by patent expirations on expensive innovator biologic drugs.
Recently Shaw told BusinessLine that Biocon spearheaded this initiative as it had the risk appetite, skills and capabilities to address the biosimilars opportunity.
Arun Chandavarkar, CEO and Joint MD, Biocon, pointed out that the collaboration with Sandoz will further bolster its global biosimilars portfolio comprising biosimilar antibodies, insulin analogs and enable us to address the next wave of global biosimilars opportunities.
In the biosimilars space, Biocon has successfully launched its insulin glargine in Japan, Trastuzumab and Bevacizumab biosimilars in India and rh- Insulin, Glargine and biosimilar Trastuzumab in few emerging markets.
Industry watchers opine that for Sandoz, the opportunity is in strengthening its position in the biosimilars space and increasing patient access to its drugs, in addition to bringing to market its biosimilars.
Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/biocon-sandoz-to-develop-nextgen-biosimilars-in-immunology-oncology/article10040241.ece

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