Sandoz and Just – Evotec Biologics Form Biosimilars Pact

On May 09, 2023, Sandoz, a Novartis division, and Just – Evotec Biologics, a US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Evotec SE that specializes in using artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) technologies for biotherapeutic development, announced a multi-year partnership. Under the agreement, the companies will develop and manufacture multiple biosimilar medicines.

Sandoz will have access to Just – Evotec Biologics’ AI/ML-driven drug substance development platform and manufacturing technology, which Sandoz will use to expand its current biosimilars pipeline from 15+ to 24 assets. Sandoz also intends to continue development of its early-stage biosimilars pipeline through the partnership.

“This strategic partnership is founded on a strong shared sense of purpose and commitment to use disruptive technology with lower operational costs to deliver high-quality biosimilars at scale to patients around the world,” said Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor in a company press release.

“It provides us with additional capabilities to support the strategic expansion of our pipeline with new assets and to begin immediately transitioning our early biosimilar pipeline—ensuring continuity in development and manufacturing while Sandoz finalizes its planned separation from Novartis. Development of the biosimilars will ramp-up over the coming 12–18 months,” Saynor also said in the release.

Source: Novartis