The Sandoz (SWX: SDZ) unit of Switzerland-based Novartis (NYSE: NVS) has announced the in-licensing of ustekinumab biosimilar SB17 from South Korea’s Samsung Bioepis. The agreement covers the markets of Canada, the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, UK, and the US. The biosimilar references Johnson & Johnson (J&J; NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen’s Stelara (ustekinumab), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting interleukin (IL)-12/23 for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Financial details of the deal were kept confidential.
Sandoz’s Expansion and Global Leadership Ambitions
According to Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor, this deal increases the number of planned launches of potential high-value biosimilars to five, aligning with the company’s strategy to become a standalone global leader in the biosimilars market. This move is particularly significant in the context of Sandoz’s upcoming spinoff from Novartis, which is scheduled for next month.
Therapeutic Potential of Ustekinumab and SB17
Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-12/23, playing a crucial role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis (UC). Samsung’s SB17 has successfully cleared Phase I of development, proving to be bioequivalent to Janssen’s originator product, Stelara. This development milestone positions SB17 as a promising candidate for providing more affordable treatment options for patients with these conditions.-Fineline Info & Tech
