21.06.2016 • NewsElaine BurridgeNovartisSandoz

Sandoz to Launch Five Biosimilars by 2020

Sandoz, the generics arm of Swiss drugmaker Novartis, has announced plans to launch five biosimilars of major oncology and immunology biologics across key global markets by 2020, aimed at broadening patients’ access to treatment. The company said the launches would be enabled by an "aggressive regulatory submissions strategy" of 11 filings in Europe and the US by the end of 2017, six of which have already been completed. The most recent of these was the European Medicines Agency’s acceptance of rituximab in May 2016.

Subject to regulatory requirements and approvals, Sandoz' upcoming launches will include biosimilars of Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), Remicade (infliximab), and Rituxan (rituximab), which collectively generated sales of nearly $44 billion in 2015.

Sandoz CEO Richard Francis said access to medicines remains the single largest unmet healthcare need in developed and developing countries alike. “Biologics have revolutionized treatment of many disabling and life-threatening diseases but far too many people who need these medicines are not able to access them," he commented.

By 2020, Sandoz will also have invested more than $1 billion into expanding its biomanufacturing facilities at Schaftenau and Kundl in Austria. The company said its early-stage pipeline has additional assets in oncology as well as other specialty therapeutic areas with plans to start new programs every year.

Whitepaper

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
Setting the Standard

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)

Are you ready to elevate your pharmaceutical operations? Download our exclusive whitepaper and discover how compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is essential for the safety and integrity of pharmaceuticals.

CHEManager Spotlight

Standardization and Harmonization of Digital Chemical and Pharmaceutical Logistics
Creating Interfaces

Standardization and Harmonization of Digital Chemical and Pharmaceutical Logistics

CHEManager Spotlight is an exclusive event tailored for practitioners and decision-makers in the chemical industry. This part of our event series delves into the latest trends and innovations in logistics to streamline your operations and drive efficiency.