Pharma News
J&J lawsuits settled over ustekinumab biosimilars
Johnson & Johnson (J&J), the maker of Stelara (ustekinumab), settled two lawsuits, one against Amgen, and the other against Alvotech and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Both lawsuits were over proposed ustekinumab biosimilars for the treatment of autoimmune conditions. These were settled in May and June 2023, respectively.
Genfar: Eurofarma's new generic brand in Latin America
Eurofarma announced on 29 September 2023 that it completed the acquisition of Laboratorios Genfar. Genfar is a generic drug company owned by the French company Sanofi, with offices in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Phase III trial results of CinnaGen’s ocrelizumab similar biotherapeutic product
Ocrelizumab is a therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) that represents a different scientific approach to treating multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a humanized anti-CD20 mAb that targets CD20 marker on B lymphocytes, a typo of immune cell that plays a key role in the disease and serves as an immunosuppressive drug. Ocrelizumab binds selectively to CD20, which is expressed on the membrane of B cells. When ocrelizumab binds to CD20 on B cells, these cells are eliminated by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and, to a lesser extent, complement-dependent cytotoxicity.
Insulin biosimilars: new CRL for Biocon, new deal for Meitheal/Tonghua Dongbao
In a dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical developments, Biocon Biologics (Biocon) faces a regulatory hurdle with a complete response letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while Meitheal Pharmaceuticals expands its reach through a strategic licensing agreement with Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical.
Abbott and mAbxience partnership for biosimilars in emerging markets
Abbott and mAbxience announced on 20 September 2023 that they had entered into a strategic partnership to commercialize several biosimilars in Latin America and other emerging markets.
Fresenius Kabi and Formycon reach agreement with J&J, Alvotech and Teva expand partnership
In August 2023, Fresenius Kabi and Formycon announced that they have entered into a settlement agreement with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) concerning FYB202, a proposed ustekinumab biosimilar in the US. This followed the late July 2023 news that Alvotech and Teva Pharmaceuticals (Teva) have agreed to expand their existing strategic partnership agreement.
Cuba and China strengthen ties in biotechnology
The biotechnological cooperation between Cuba and China has been a longstanding relationship in the scientific and technological realms. For the benefit of both countries, Havana and Beijing have undertaken various collaborations in the field of biotechnology, driven by their bilateral relations and shared interest in the development of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.
New BioFactura-CuraTeQ partnership for ustekinumab biosimilar
CuraTeQ Biologics Private Limited, a subsidiary of India’s Aurobindo Pharma Limited, has entered into an exclusive license agreement to commercialize BFI-751, BioFactura’s proposed biosimilar to Stelara (ustekinumab).
Four drugmakers sue the US government over the Inflation Reduction Act
In July 2023, Johnson & Johnson became the fourth large drugmaker to sue the US government over drug price negotiations in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). They join, Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb and Astellas in claiming that price negotiations by Medicare violate the First and Fifth Amendments of the US Constitution.
Celltrion–Rani partnership for RaniPill biosimilars
Celltrion and Rani Therapeutics (Rani) have entered a partnership under which Celltrion will supply ustekinumab and adalimumab biosimilars for RaniPill products under an exclusive license and supply agreement.
