In a significant development within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, Sandoz, a global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, announced its strategic acquisition of the US biosimilar ranibizumab, CIMERLI, from Coherus BioSciences, Inc. The deal, valued at an upfront cash purchase of USD 170 million, encompasses a biologics license application, product inventory, specialized ophthalmology sales and field reimbursement talent, along with access to proprietary commercial software.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Sandoz, notably enhancing its ophthalmology franchise and reinforcing its commitment to pioneering patient access to affordable, essential medicines in the US. Keren Haruvi, President of Sandoz North America, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of CIMERLI to the Sandoz biosimilar portfolio, highlighting its potential to strengthen the company’s position in the ophthalmology sector and contribute to its mission of increasing patient access to critical treatments.

CIMERLI: A Biosimilar with Broad Implications

CIMERLI is an FDA-approved biosimilar to the reference product LUCENTIS (ranibizumab injection), designed for the treatment of multiple retinal diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO), myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Approved by the FDA in August 2022, CIMERLI is celebrated as the first and only FDA-approved biosimilar interchangeable with LUCENTIS for all its indications, having met the FDA’s strict standards for biosimilarity, including safety, efficacy, and quality.

The acquisition of CIMERLI not only signifies a substantial expansion of Sandoz’s biosimilar portfolio but also represents a strategic investment in the future of ophthalmic treatment and care. By incorporating CIMERLI into its offerings, Sandoz is poised to provide an even broader range of treatment options for US patients experiencing vision impairment and loss, aligning with its goal to build a more robust ophthalmic platform that supports future product launches.

Looking Ahead: Impact and Expectations

With the closing anticipated in the first half of 2024, subject to standard conditions and approvals, the acquisition of CIMERLI by Sandoz is expected to have a profound impact on the availability of affordable and effective ophthalmology treatments in the US. This move not only strengthens Sandoz’s commitment to the US market but also underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing patient care through the provision of high-quality, accessible biosimilar medicines.

As Sandoz and Coherus BioSciences navigate the final stages of this acquisition, the healthcare industry watches closely, anticipating the positive outcomes this deal promises for patients, healthcare providers, and the broader landscape of treatment for vision-related conditions.

The acquisition of CIMERLI by Sandoz from Coherus BioSciences represents a strategic advancement in the biosimilar market, particularly within the ophthalmology sector. By broadening its portfolio with CIMERLI, Sandoz not only strengthens its commitment to providing cost-effective treatment options but also sets a new precedent for the role of biosimilars in enhancing patient access to necessary treatments. This acquisition is a clear indication of the growing importance of biosimilars in the pharmaceutical industry’s future, offering a glimpse into how companies can leverage innovative treatments to meet the evolving needs of patients worldwide.

  CIMERLI, Coherus BioSciences, Keren Haruvi, lucentis, Ophthalmology, Pharma acquisition news, Ranibizumab, Sandoz, vision impairment