Pharma News
Teva changes course in Japan and the US
Israeli drugs manufacturer Teva has made strategic decisions in the US and Japan. The company plans to strip back its Japanese venture with Takeda, selling off parts of the portfolio by early 2021. However, in the US, Teva will be entering a strategic partnership with Alvotech for the commercialization of five biosimilar candidates.
Perrigo sells its UK generic drug business
Perrigo Co Plc (Perrigo) has sold its generic prescription drug business to a private equity firm in a deal worth US$195 million.
COVID-19 drug trials underway
There are over 200 trials for COVID-19 currently in progress. These include trials of monoclonal antibodies, including from the South Korean firm Celltrion, as well as vaccines, notably from the Chinese firm CanSino Biologics.
Aurobindo/Sandoz deal falls through, biosimilars business transferred to subsidiary
It has been announced that Aurobindo Pharma’s planned deal to take over the US generic oral solids and dermatology businesses of Sandoz has fallen through. More recently, the company has transferred its biosimilars business to its wholly owned subsidiary CuraTeQ Biologics.
Fresenius Kabi signs marketing agreement for adalimumab biosimilar
German pharmaceutical company Fresenius Kabi has signed an agreement with methotrexate supplier Medac for the sale of its adalimumab biosimilar Idacio. The agreement is likely to boost sales of Idacio.
Success for Celltrion in Japan and Samsung Bioepis in Europe
South Korean biosimilar manufacturer Celltrion’s trastuzumab biosimilar has gained a 40% market share in Japan. Meanwhile, Samsung Bioepis, which is also headquartered in South Korea, announced European sales in excess of US$200 million in the first quarter of 2020.
Canadian firm Bausch + Lomb signs agreement on Lucentis biosimilar
Canadian eye health specialists Bausch + Lomb have signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Stada and its development partner Xbrane to develop and commercialize a Lucentis biosimilar in Canada and the US.
Mycenax sells tocilizumab biosimilar to Richter
Taiwanese biosimilars developer Mycenax announced on 28 April 2020 that it had made a deal with Hungary-based Gedeon Richter (Richter) regarding its tocilizumab biosimilar.
Dr Reddy’s buys Wockhardt plant and Strides acquires 18 ANDAs
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (Dr Reddy’s) is to acquire US$260 million worth of Wockhardt’s business including a major manufacturing facility in India, while Strides is to acquire 18 abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for the US market.
FDA’s response to coronavirus
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a comprehensive statement regarding effects on the supply chain and inspections of plants overseas.
