Weekly in Asia ｜Nov

20191103-1109

Samsung Bioepis, Biogen to Commercialize Next-Generation Biosimilar Candidates

South Korea based Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. announced on November 6 that the company has entered into a new commercialization agreement with U.S. based Biogen for two biosimilar candidates, SB11(ranibizumab) and SB15 (Lazada), in the United States (US), Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

SB11, a biosimilar candidate referencing LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab), is undergoing phase 3 clinical trial, while SB15, a biosimilar candidate referencing EYLEA® (aflibercept), is in pre-clinical development. Ranibizumab and aflibercept are two widely-used biologic medicines in ophthalmology. In addition, the agreement provides Biogen an option to extend the commercialization term for Samsung Bioepis’ three anti-TNF biosimilars – BENEPALI™ (etanercept), FLIXABI™ (infliximab), and IMRALDI™ (adalimumab).

The agreement also provides Biogen an option to receive commercialization rights to BENEPALI™, FLIXABI™ and IMRALDI™ in China in exchange for royalties on sales in the market.

About Samsung Bioepis

Biopharmaceutical company Samsung Bioepis is a joint venture between Samsung BioLogics and Biogen established in 2012. Samsung Bioepis is committed to realizing healthcare that is accessible to everyone. Samsung Bioepis has a broad pipeline of biosimilar candidates that cover a spectrum of therapeutic areas, including immunology, oncology and ophthalmology.

About Biogen

Biogen Inc. is an American multinational biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery, development, and delivery of therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases.

SB15L

Johnson & Johnson partners Lazada to Boost South-east Asia Brands

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health (J&J) and e-commerce player Lazada Group, are partnering in an effort to target the Southeast Asia market, where Lazada has a leading position.

Under the collaboration, the two companies will leverage Johnson & Johnson’s market insights, offline distribution channels, as well as Lazada’s digital marketing expertise and regional ecosystem, to support the emerging Southeast Asian brands in reaching and engaging more Chinese consumers.

About Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies operates in New Jersey, U.S. The Company engages in the research and development of consumable products.

About Lazada Group

Lazada Group Pte Ltd, the South-east Asia flagship platform of Alibaba Group, provides online shopping services ranging from consumer electronics to household good toys, fashion and sports equipment. The Company offers payment methods including cash on delivery, customer care and free returns.

China’s Bio-Thera Receives Approval for Biosimilar Humira®

China’s Bio-Thera Solutions Ltd announced on November 7 that the Company has received a regulatory approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for Humira®. Humira® has been approved for the treatment of three autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

Humira® is the world’s top-selling drug, with sales of $20 billion last year, but now faces competition from cheaper versions in Europe and a 2023 expiration of its patents in the United States, by far the most profitable market.

About QLETLI®

The active ingredient of QLETLI® is an anti-TNF-monoclonal antibody, and is biosimilar to, adalimumab, the reference drug. QLETLI® was previously known as BAT1406.

 

About Bio-Thera Solutions

Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd., a leading biotechnology company based in Guangzhou, China, is dedicated to the research and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular diseases, and other serious unmet medical needs.

Tencent, Novartis Launch Online Platform for Heart Disease Patients

According to estimations, there are at least 10 million heart disease patients in China. Medical experts said that around 50 percent of the patients pass away within five years after being diagnosed.

On November 6, Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis and China’s internet giant Tencent jointly announced the official launch of an online long-term disease management platform for heart patients, to help them achieve a better prognosis.

The platform is called “AI”, representing care for the heart in Chinese, covers daily health indicator monitoring and health condition assessment through voice and image recognition and interaction as well as access to personalized information.

About Novartis

Novartis AG, a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, manufactures pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare products, andis one of the largest pharmaceutical companies by both market capitalization and sales.

 

About Tencent

Tencent Holdings Limited is a Chinese multinational IT company founded in 1998. Its subsidiaries cover various fields, such as Internet-related services and products, entertainment, artificial intelligence and technology, both in China and globally.

Acer and Novartis Sign MOU to Develop Smart Healthcare

Taiwanese notebook maker Acer announced on November 5th that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with pharmaceutical giant Novartis to apply artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the medical field, targeting for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cardiovascular disease. The two companies will leverage the AI and big data platform in clinical trial design, disease detection, and other areas to improve patient care. It is expected that, as soon as the AI software is approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, this AI software will be officially launched.

About Acer

Acer Inc. manufactures and distributes semiconductor products, personal computers, computer peripherals, multimedia products, and computer software.

References

1. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/asean-business/johnson-johnson-partners-lazada-to-support-emerging-south-east-asia-brands
2. https://www.bio-thera.com/EN/ShowNews.asp?id=60
3. https://www.samsungbioepis.com/en/newsroom/newsroomView.do?idx=138&currentPage=1
4. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/06/WS5dc2683ca310cf3e35575c53.html
5. https://lihi1.com/mUala

Author

GeneOnline