Mumbai-based Lupin has partnered with Switzerland’s Sandoz Group AG to boost the global availability of its biosimilar ranibizumab. Under the agreement, Lupin will handle manufacturing and regulatory submissions, while Sandoz will lead commercialization in the European Union (excluding Germany), Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Sandoz will have exclusive marketing rights in most markets, with semi-exclusive rights in France, Australia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In Canada, Sandoz will hold sole commercialization rights, with Lupin managing production and regulatory work.
Ranibizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody fragment, inhibits VEGF-A and is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic macular edema. Lupin’s EMEA and Emerging Markets President Thierry Volle said the collaboration aims to improve patient access to advanced biologic therapies worldwide.