Polpharma Biologics has entered a global commercialization agreement with Sandoz AG for a natalizumab biosimilar. The medicine is currently in Phase III clinical development for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Under this agreement, Polpharma Biologics will be responsible for the development, manufacturing and supply of the collaboration biosimilar.
"This important commercial agreement marks a significant milestone in Polpharma Biologic's ongoing commitment to producing more affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals for patients worldwide", said Jerzy Starak, Chairman of Polpharma Biologics. "We are delighted to combine expertise with our collaboration partner Sandoz AG to expand patient access to this important treatment option for RRMS. Natalizumab is the first of a number of late-stage pipeline developments we expect to be announcing in the near future."
Approximately 85% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are diagnosed with RRMS. In addition to the personal burden of MS for patients and families, affordability is a significant challenge for MS medicines globally. A recent report highlighted that affordability was stated as the most common challenge accessing MS therapy in 46% of the 90 countries included. Elsewhere it has been highlighted that providing access to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS represents a considerable challenge for healthcare systems.
Natalizumab, a DMT, offers patients a valuable therapeutic option for treating RRMS. Polpharma Biologic's collaboration partner will commercialize and distribute the medicine upon approval in all markets through an exclusive global license. Other specific terms of the agreement are confidential.