Sandoz enters global deal to commercialise proposed biosimilar natalizumab

Worldwide agreement with Polpharma gives Sandoz commercialization rights to proposed biosimilar natalizumab for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Under the agreement, Polpharma Biologics will maintain responsibilities for development, manufacturing and supply of proposed biosimilar natalizumab. Sandoz will commercialize and distribute the medicine in all markets upon approval, through an exclusive global license.

Reference medicine natalizumab is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that was approved for use over 10 years ago, offering patients a valuable therapeutic option for treating RRMS.

In addition to the personal burden of MS for patients and families, affordability is a significant challenge for MS medicines globally. A recent report highlighted affordability as the most common challenge affecting access to MS therapy in 46% of the 90 countries included. Elsewhere it has been highlighted that providing access to DMTs for MS represents a considerable challenge for healthcare systems.

“Patient access to advanced medicines is important for all people diagnosed with a chronic disease, but the challenges are very pronounced for MS patients,” said Pierre Bourdage, ad interim Global Head of Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz. “By nature, biosimilars create competition and cost savings, which are proven to make room in healthcare systems to treat more patients. With this agreement, we hope to build on our MS experience with small molecules and complex generics, and ultimately provide patients with expanded access to a DMT that healthcare systems may otherwise not be able to provide.”

The addition of proposed biosimilar natalizumab expands the Novartis/Sandoz portfolio across small molecules, complex generics, biosimilars, and innovator medicines enabling broad patient access to patented and off-patent medicines. In addition to entering complex and underserved areas such as MS, Sandoz is already helping patients in the areas of immunology, oncology and endocrinology. The division has a leading global portfolio with eight marketed biosimilars and a further 10+ in development.