MS: Polpharma joins forces with Sandoz
Polpharma Biologics SA has partnered up with Novartis subsidiary Sandoz AG to market a natalizumab biosimilar. As part of the global commercialization agreement, Polpharma Biologics will be responsible for the development, manufacturing and supply of the collaboration biosimilar, which is currently in Phase III clinical development for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Natalizumab, which is currently being marketed by Biogen, is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the cell adhesion molecule ?4-integrin. It is a disease-modifying therapy for RRMS. Around 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with RRMS, Polpharma states.
This important commercial agreement marks a significant milestone in Polpharma Biologics ongoing commitment to producing more affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals for patients worldwide, said Jerzy Starak, Chairman of Polpharma Biologics. We are delighted to combine expertise with our collaboration partner Sandoz AG to expand patient access to this important treatment option for RRMS. Natalizumab is the first of a number of late-stage pipeline developments we expect to be announcing in the near future.
Bavaria-based Sandoz bundles all generics activities of the Novartis Group. As part of the collaboration with Polpharma, Sandoz will commercialize and distribute the medicine upon approval in all markets through an exclusive global license. Other specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
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