Sandoz Secures Biosimilar Empire with Shanghai Henlius Deal

Sandoz has solidified its position as a leader in the biosimilars market by partnering with Shanghai Henlius. The Swiss pharmaceutical company will pay up to $100.5 million upfront and a total of $322 million if milestones are reached for commercialization rights to three biosimilars.

The deal covers biosimilar versions of Amgen's Repatha, GSK's Benlysta, and Eli Lilly and Merck KGaA's Erbitux, which generated combined sales of $6.8 billion last year. Sandoz will market these biosimilars globally except in China, where Henlius retains commercial rights.

This partnership is the latest move by Sandoz to capitalize on the global biosimilar loss-of-exclusivity market over the next decade. The company's biosimilars portfolio already accounts for 30% of its sales, reaching a target three years earlier than expected.