Pharma News
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.
Roche continues litigation in India and receives fine in Romania
Switzerland-based pharmaceutical giant Roche is continuing to pursue legal action in India over a trastuzumab similar biologic and has recently been fined in Romania for delaying the entry of biosimilars to the market.
New biosimilars partnerships from Alvotech and Biocon
Alvotech has formed an exclusive partnership with JAMP Pharma (JAMP) for the commercialization of its biosimilars in Canada, while Biocon has expanded its collaboration with Equillium to include Australia and New Zealand.
Amgen to buy out Japanese partner Astellas
US-based biotech giant Amgen has announced that it will dissolve its joint venture with the Japanese company Astellas in order to operate the unit independently. This means Astellas will become a wholly-owned Amgen affiliate.
