Source – Novartis
July 20, 2023, Sandoz, a renowned global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, has disclosed a substantial investment of around USD 90 million to establish the dedicated Sandoz Biopharma Development Center at its site in Ljubljana, Slovenia. By 2026, this development center is set to become one of Sandoz’s key locations for biosimilar product research and development.
The strategic investment in the Ljubljana site will not only enhance Sandoz’s capabilities in end-to-end drug substance and drug product development of biosimilars but will also lead to the creation of approximately 200 new full-time jobs, contributing to the local economy.
This initiative is part of Sandoz’s broader commitment to expand its biosimilar development capabilities. It complements the recent announcement of Sandoz’s plan to invest at least USD 400 million in a new biologics manufacturing plant in Lendava, Slovenia. Furthermore, the company aims to strengthen its biosimilar development capabilities at its facility in Holzkirchen, Germany, and leverage its existing expertise in small molecule product development in Ljubljana, where Sandoz has already established comprehensive capabilities for developing technologically complex generic pharmaceuticals.
“The new Biosimilar Development Center in Ljubljana will build on these capabilities, helping Sandoz to meet rapidly rising global demand for biosimilars and to make an even more meaningful contribution to the long-term viability of healthcare systems around the world.”
– Claire D’Abreu Hayling, Chief Scientific Officer, Sandoz
Biosimilars play a critical role in treating and preventing various debilitating and life-threatening conditions, including cancer, psoriasis, and arthritis. By promoting competition and cost savings, biosimilars address the rising cost pressures in global healthcare systems.
Sandoz’s commitment to patient care is evident as it strives to make affordable, safe, and effective biologic medicines accessible to millions of patients across different therapeutic areas such as immunology, oncology, supportive care, and endocrinology. With a leading global portfolio of eight marketed biosimilars and 24 more molecules in various stages of development, Sandoz aims to make a significant positive impact on patients’ lives.
