Week of May 7, 2012: Coherus BioSciences, Daiichi Sankyo Form Biosimilar Pact; Sandoz Agrees to Acquire Fougera Pharmaceuticals; and More

Daiichi Sankyo and the biopharmaceutical company Coherus BioSciences have agreed to develop and commercialize biosimilar forms of etanercept and rituximab in several Asian countries, including Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, Daiichi Sankyo and Coherus BioSciences will work together to develop, manufacture, and commercialize biosimilar forms of etanercept and rituximab developed by Coherus BioSciences. Upon marketing approval, Daiichi Sankyo will commercialize these products in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Coherus has retained all additional development and commercial rights outside of the licensed territories. Read More

The China-based investment group of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has acquired Guangzhou Bioseal Biotech, a privately held biopharmaceutical company specializing in the design, development, and commercialization of a porcine plasma-derived biologic product for controlling bleeding during surgery. The acquisition was completed after obtaining all necessary Chinese Government approvals. Guangzhou Bioseal Biotech manufactures a porcine-derived fibrin sealant, Bioseal, currently the only porcine plasma-derived fibrin sealant approved for use in China. Guangzhou Bioseal Biotech will work with Ethicon, a J&J subsidiary. Read More

Sandoz, a subsidiary of Novartis, has agreed to acquire specialty dermatology generic-drug company Fougera Pharmaceuticals for $1.525 billion. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. Read More

Industry Briefs:

A roundup of additional company and people news from pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, their suppliers, and contract-service providers. Read More