Biocon, Pfizer End Biosimilar Alliance

Biocon and Pfizer have ended their alliance to commercialize Biocon’s biosimilar versions of Insulin and Insulin analog products, citing individual priorities for their respective businesses. Both will proceed independently.

The two companies will work together during a transition period help to ensure continuity of patient care. All rights licensed to Pfizer will revert to Biocon, and all insulin distributed under the brand name Univia and Glarvia will be exclusively commercially available from Biocon Ltd.

“Biocon remains committed to delivering its Biosimilar Insulins portfolio to global markets in its endeavour to make a difference to diabetic patients across emerging and developed economies. Biocon will continue to work with its existing partners in several markets and will pursue a commercial strategy on its own and through new alliances in other markets.” said Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairman and managing director, Biocon Ltd.

“Pfizer continues to be dedicated to developing a broad portfolio of biosimilars medicines, including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins products, both internally and through collaborations” said Diem Nguyen, general manager of Biosimilars, Pfizer, “In addition, we will continue to be active in our own research and business development efforts for diabetes, which represents a huge unmet medical need, and we remain committed to seeking new solutions to help physicians and patients.”