Sandoz, the generics and biosimilars division of Novartis, has entered a strategic development and commercialization agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech (Henlius) for up to 10 biosimilar drugs.
The collaboration will focus on co-developing and marketing the products globally, with Henlius retaining rights in mainland China and selected Asian markets. Financial terms were not disclosed. The partnership aims to leverage Henlius’s expertise in biosimilar development and Sandoz’s commercialization capabilities in international markets.
Biosimilars, which are biologic medicines highly similar to already approved products, are a growing segment in the pharmaceutical industry due to patent expirations on blockbuster biologics. The global biosimilars market is projected to expand significantly in the coming years, driven by demand for cost-effective alternatives to expensive biologic therapies.
Sandoz, which already markets a portfolio of biosimilars including versions of rituximab, trastuzumab, and bevacizumab, will now add up to 10 additional products to its pipeline through this deal. The company has not specified which biosimilars are included in the agreement or their respective development timelines.
Henlius, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharma, is one of China’s leading biosimilar developers, with several products already approved in domestic markets. The company has been expanding its global footprint, including partnerships with international firms to accelerate market access beyond China.
The agreement underscores Sandoz’s strategy to strengthen its position in the biosimilars sector amid increasing competition and patent cliffs facing major biologic drugs. The deal also highlights the growing collaboration between Chinese and Western pharmaceutical companies to address global healthcare needs.
