Swiss laboratory Sandoz acquires a biosimilar drug in ophthalmic care
Swiss laboratory Sandoz is set to acquire a biosimilar drug in ophthalmic care. Sandoz, specializing in generic and biosimilar drugs (medications produced through biotechnology with expired patents), announced on Monday that it will acquire a biosimilar drug for ophthalmic care from the American company Coherus BioSciences for 170 million dollars (155 million euros).
Sandoz has entered into an agreement with the California-based company to take over its treatment, which replicates ranibizumab, known as Lucentis. The biosimilar version offered by Sandoz is more affordable, according to a statement from the company. The drug is used to treat various retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.
The biosimilar drug received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in August 2022. It is a cost-effective alternative to Lucentis, a treatment sold by Novartis, the former parent company of Sandoz.
BFMTV reminds us that in October 2023, Novartis separated from its branch specializing in generic and biosimilar drugs by separately listing Sandoz on the stock exchange.
Sandoz indicates that the transaction with Coherus BioSciences is expected to be completed during the first half of 2024.ée durant le premier semestre 2024, précise Sandoz.