Ranibizumab is a monoclonal antibody fragment created from the same parent mouse antibody as bevacizumab. Ranibizumab inhibits angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a mechanism similar to bevacizumab [1].

German generics giant Stada Arzneimittel (Stada) and Swedish biotech company Xbrane Bioscience (Xbrane) have a co-development agreement for a Lucentis biosimilar, which is called Xlucane [2]. 

Xbrane and Stada will develop the biosimilar and, once regulatory approval has been obtained, Bausch + Lomb will be responsible for marketing, sales and commercialization. 

In a statement, Vice President and General Manager of US Pharmaceuticals at Bausch + Lomb, Yolande Barnard, said the agreement will help the company to leverage their expertise in the North American ophthalmic market, adding:

‘We believe that, once approved, this biosimilar ranibizumab candidate will be an excellent addition to our comprehensive eye health portfolio and further deliver on our commitment of continuing to expand and improve upon our ophthalmic portfolio for our customers and their patients’. 

Bausch + Lomb will make an upfront payment and further milestone payments after the approval and launch of the product. Xbrane and Stada will receive an equal share of gross profits from sales of Xlucane.

Samsung Bioepis/Biogen are also working on a Lucentis biosimilar [3]. This biosimilar, named SB11, is undergoing phase III clinical trials in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Related articles
STADA and Xbrane strengthen biosimilars collaboration

Biosimilars of ranibizumab

References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilars of bevacizumab [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2020 May 22]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Biosimilars/General/Biosimilars-of-bevacizumab
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Co-development deal for ranibizumab biosimilar Xlucane [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2020 May 22]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Pharma-News/Co-development-deal-for-ranibizumab-biosimilar-Xlucane
3. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Samsung Bioepis expands biosimilars agreement with Biogen [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2020 May 22]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Pharma-News/Samsung-Bioepis-expands-biosimilars-agreement-with-Biogen

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