Sandoz Acquires Aspen’s Japanese Operation, Strengthens Hold in Japanese Market

By Ruchi Jhonsa, Ph.D.

Sandoz, the Generics unit of Novartis, announced the completion of its acquisition of the Japanese business of Aspen Global Incorporated (AGI) for $330 million on Friday. This deal reaps double benefits for Sandoz. It will not only strengthen its foothold in Japan, which is the third-largest market for generic and off-patent medicines worldwide but will also complement the existing portfolio of Sandoz manufactured generic medicines and biosimilars. With dedicated sales, marketing and medical organization already in place, it will be an easy move for Sandoz to get into the Japanese hospital channel and serve the customers. According to the CEO of Sandoz, Richard Saynor, “The acquisition of Aspen’s Japanese operations would significantly strengthen our position in this country. We are committed to helping address patient and customer needs in the market we aspire to become the world’s leading and most values generics company”.

AGI is a subsidiary of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings. It’s portfolio in Japan majorly consists of off-patent branded medicines with a focus on anesthetics and specialty brands. There are approximately 20 products in Aspen’s profile, which includes off-patent anesthetic Xylocaine, specialty brands like Imuran and other brands specific to Japan’s local market. As per the deal, Sandoz gets Aspen’s portfolio along with five-year manufacturing and supply agreement with AGI for the supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients, semi-finished and finished goods related to the portfolio of products acquired by Sandoz. With year-round sales of Aspen’s products for 2019 amounting to $144 million, Sandoz is well-positioned to become a world leader in the supply of generics medicines.

With this acquisition, Sandoz is making bold moves in the marketplace to deliver on our purpose to pioneer access for patients by helping to address Japan’s patient and customer needs” Saynor says.

References

1. https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/sandoz-announces-agreement-acquire-aspen%27s-japanese-operations-and-associated-assets-strengthening-position-world%27s-third-largest-generics-market
2. https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/sandoz-completes-acquisition-aspen%27s-japanese-operations-strengthening-its-position-world%27s-third-largest-market-generics-and-patent-medicines

Author

Ruchi Jhonsa