#India #Accord BioPharma #UDENYCA #Intas Pharmaceuticals #Ahmedabad

Major Acquisition in the Pharmaceutical Sector

In an unprecedented move, Intas Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with its subsidiaries under the Accord brand, has acquired UDENYCA® (Pegfilgrastim-cbqv) from Coherus BioSciences, thereby reinforcing its status as one of the world’s leading providers of Pegfilgrastim. This strategic acquisition is set to have significant implications for the biosimilar market, particularly in the United States and other key international territories.

The Acquisition: A Strategic Leap

The acquisition of UDENYCA marks a significant milestone for Intas Pharmaceuticals and Accord BioPharma. Not only does it expand the company's product offerings, but it also strengthens their foothold in the highly competitive biosimilar market. Accord BioPharma has been a pioneer in the market, being the first to commercialize a Pegfilgrastim biosimilar in Europe and establishing itself as the market leader in the region despite fierce competition. With this latest acquisition, Intas and Accord aim to enhance their global presence and tap into new markets, particularly in the United States.

UDENYCA, a biosimilar to Amgen's Neulasta®, is crucial for reducing infection rates related to febrile neutropenia in non-myeloid tumor patients undergoing myelosuppressive cancer therapy. This drug is especially vital given its adaptability, offering patients three user-friendly administration options: Autoinjector (AI), On-Body Injector (OBI), and pre-filled syringe (PFS). As of now, over 300,000 patients have been treated with UDENYCA with a distribution of more than 1.4 million units since its launch.

Enhancing Team Talent and Infrastructure

In addition to expanding the product lineup, the acquisition will bring valuable talent from Coherus BioSciences into Accord BioPharma. Key personnel from various departments such as sales, marketing, finance, supply chain, quality, and production have transitioned to Accord BioPharma, ensuring continuity in operations and the delivery of services. This integration will likely play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality and efficacy of UDENYCA as it continues to enter more markets.

Chrys Kokino, President of Accord BioPharma in the U.S., described the completion of this acquisition as a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory, enhancing their market presence and capabilities to innovate within the biosimilar sector.

Paul Tredwell, Executive Vice-President of Accord for EMENA, echoes this sentiment, indicating that fully marketing UDENYCA in three different formulations signifies a leap towards fulfilling their ambition of becoming the world's foremost supplier of Pegfilgrastim.

Reinforcing Patient Access to Quality Treatments

Binish Chudgar, Chairman and CEO of Intas Pharmaceuticals, expressed excitement about the portfolio expansion and emphasized the company’s commitment to improving patient access to high-quality treatments tailored to the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers. The acquisition of UDENYCA further solidifies Intas's role as a global leader in Pegfilgrastim, allowing for continued growth in significant international markets.

UDENYCA's Clinical Indications and Safety Information

UDENYCA is a leukocyte growth factor indicated for:

• - Reducing infection rates related to febrile neutropenia in patients with non-myeloid malignant diseases undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy associated with a clinically significant frequency of febrile neutropenia.
• - Increasing survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (hematopoietic syndrome of acute radiation syndrome).

However, it is critical to note that UDENYCA is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to Pegfilgrastim products and requires constant monitoring for safety issues such as spleen rupture and allergic reactions.

Conclusion

This acquisition between Intas Pharmaceuticals and Accord BioPharma represents a significant step towards providing accessible, high-quality biosimilar treatment to patients worldwide, solidifying their position in the biosimilar market. With a rich pipeline and an expanding team, both companies are poised to make a substantial impact in the healthcare sector, ultimately benefiting numerous patients in need of effective treatments.