Sandoz, Polpharma Biologics Partner for Biosimilar of Biogen’s MS Drug Tysabri

Sandoz, the generics arm of Novartis, has partnered with Polpharma Biologics, a European developer and manufacturer of biosimilars and biologic drugs, for global commercialization of a proposed biosimilar of Biogen’s Tysabri (natalizumab), a drug to treat multiple sclerosis. Biogen posted 2018 sales for Tysabri of $1.86 billion.

The biosimilar candidate is in Phase III clinical development for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Natalizumab is a disease-modifying therapy that was approved for use in 2004 and is the fifth-proposed biosimilar in-licensed by Sandoz in nine months.

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

Sandoz has a portfolio with eight marketed biosimilars and a further 10-plus in development.

Source: Novartis, Polpharma Biologics

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