Generics business Sandoz forms partnership with Indian-based Biocon to develop, manufacture, and commercialize biosimilars in immunology and oncology.

Looking to be leaders in the development of next-generation biosimilars, Sandoz, the generics business of Novartis, and Biocon, a leading biopharmaceutical company based in India, are collaborating to develop high-quality, affordable immunology and oncology biologics. 

As part of the collaboration, Both Sandoz and Biocon will be responsible for the development, manufacturing and global regulatory approvals of several different products, sharing the costs and profits. Commercialization will be divided, with Sandoz responsible for North America and the EU and Biocon responsible for the remaining regions of the world.

Sandoz currently has five biosimilars on the market and a robust pipeline, according to the company. Biocon has launched Insulin glargine in Japan, Trastuzumab and Bevacizumab biosimilars in India and rh-Insulin, Insulin glargine and biosimilar Trastuzumab in a few emerging markets, and was the first Indian company to have a biosimilar approved by the US Food and Drug Administration

“Together, we will be able to realize benefits at every stage of the value chain, from development, through manufacturing to commercialization," said Carol Lynch, Global Head, Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz. "This collaboration further strengthens our ability to deliver next-generation biosimilar medicines to patients."

Added Biocon Chairperson and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Sandoz for developing a set of next generation biosimilar products. This synergistic partnership will enable us to scale up our capabilities for an 'end to end' play in the global biosimilars space. We remain committed to pursue our mission of developing biopharmaceuticals that have the potential to benefit a billion patients across the globe.”