Taipei, Taiwan and Ahmedabad, India, 11th December 2023 -- Leading global pharmaceutical companies, Lotus Pharmaceutical (1795:TT) and Intas Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. announced today that they have entered into a partnership, to distribute and commercialize denosumab biosimilar in South Korea, Taiwan and multiple markets in Southeast Asia.
'Denosumab' is a monoclonal antibody that is widely recognized for its efficacy in averting bone fractures and enhancing bone density among those grappling with osteoporosis, marketed under trade name Prolia®. Another brand of denosumab i.e. Xgeva® is designated for preventing skeletal-related events in individuals with multiple myeloma and those with bone metastases from solid tumors. Xgeva® also stands as a therapeutic solution for giant cell tumors of bone in cases where surgical resection is impractical or likely to lead to severe morbidity.
According to IQVIA data, the annual sales for Prolia® for the 12 months ended Dec 2022 was approximately USD 202 million and for Xgeva® was approximately USD 45 million in the regions covered in the agreement.
Petar Vazharov, Lotus' Chief Executive Officer said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Intas to bring denosumab to our Asian territories. This transaction is in line with strengthening our portfolio for osteoporosis and postmenopausal women’s health and oncology. This strategic acquisition not only fortifies our portfolio for oncology and women's health but also underscores our commitment to making high quality complex, biosimilar products accessible to those who need it most. Furthermore, we are poised to leverage our extensive experience and expertise in registering and commercializing biosimilars and innovative products within the specified therapeutic classes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healthcare solutions.”
Binish Chudgar, Intas’ Vice-Chairman & Managing Director said, "We are delighted to partner with Lotus in this significant collaboration. This strategic alliance underscores our advanced capabilities in manufacturing world-class, complex, and innovative biosimilars, aligning seamlessly with our vision to provide global access to these cutting-edge products. This commitment also highlights our dedication to advancing global healthcare solutions, particularly in critical therapeutic areas such as osteoporosis, postmenopausal women’s health, and oncology, to make a positive impact on the lives of patients in need."
Marc Comas, Executive Vice President at Intas B2B said, “We are delighted to strengthen our current alliance with Lotus Pharmaceutical with the addition of the first biosimilar to the partnership. This collaboration will further consolidate Intas Pharmaceuticals as a supplier in the region, providing access to high-quality and affordable medicines for patients which contributes to make a positive impact on their lives.”
According to the terms of the agreement, Lotus will possess commercialization rights in the applicable territory and will assume responsibility for the regulatory approval process. This territory encompasses Taiwan, South Korea and multiple markets in Southeast Asia. Intas is responsible for completing development as well as manufacturing and supply.
About Lotus
Founded in 1966, Lotus (1795: TT) is an international pharmaceutical company with global presence, focused on commercializing novel and generic pharmaceuticals, offering patients better, safe and more accessible medicines. The Company has a recognized best-in-class R&D and manufacturing platform in Asia and has established partnerships in nearly every global market including the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and Brazil. Lotus runs over 100 strategically selected pharmaceutical projects in development and registrations across Asia and the US, with over 250 commercial products. The Company invests in diversified best portfolio consisting of high-barrier oncology, complex generics as well as 505(b)2 and NCE via internal R&D investment and licensing-in partnership, and also strengthens its portfolio competitiveness by adding biosimilar products with support from strategic partners. Its industry-leading infrastructure certified by most of the advanced regulatory authorities around the world, including US FDA, EU EMA, Japan PMDA, China FDA, and Brazil ANVISA.
About Intas
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a vertically integrated global company, leading in the development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical formulations, including Generics, Biosimilars and Added Value Medicines. Intas is present in 85+ countries worldwide including the highly regulated markets. Intas manufactures tablets, capsules, effervescent tablets, ointments for high potency drugs, oncology orals and oncology injectables, including pre-filled syringes, through sixteen manufacturing facilities, of which ten are located in India, and the rest in the UK, Mexico and Greece. The facilities are accredited by top global regulators such as USFDA, EMA, MHRA and TGA. R&D is the key growth driver for Intas with more than 300 projects in the pipeline and a focus on added-value products, biosimilars and first-to-market opportunities. Intas dedicates more than 1,000 scientific personnel to R&D activities, from a total workforce of 19,000 employees.
Lotus Contacts
Investor and Media Relations
Susan Liao, Head of Investor Relations
+886 2 2700 5908
Intas Contacts
Investors and Media Relations
Ajay Bhatt, Global President HR & Investor Relations
+91 760 002 3552