Lupin Ltd Partners with Sandoz to Commercialize Biosimilar Ranibizumab Across Multiple Regions

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 900 Views

Lupin Limited, a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Mumbai, has entered into a strategic partnership with Sandoz Group AG, the Swiss biosimilars division of Novartis, to market and commercialize Lupin’s biosimilar ranibizumab across several international markets. Under this agreement, Sandoz will take the lead on commercialization efforts, while Lupin remains responsible for manufacturing and regulatory submissions.

The deal covers key regions including the European Union (except Germany), Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In most of these markets, Sandoz will hold exclusive marketing rights. However, in France, Australia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, Sandoz will have semi-exclusive rights. Additionally, a separate agreement grants Sandoz sole commercialization rights for ranibizumab in Canada.

Ranibizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody fragment that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). It is used to treat serious retinal diseases such as neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and choroidal neovascularization. The biosimilar provides an affordable alternative to existing treatments, broadening patient access.

Background and Strategic Importance

Lupin’s biosimilar ranibizumab, also marketed in India as RaniEyes™, recently completed successful Phase III clinical trials demonstrating comparable efficacy and safety to the branded product, Lucentis®. This global licensing and commercialization deal with Sandoz marks a significant step in expanding its reach into mature and emerging markets where access to advanced retinal therapies is critical.

Sandoz, a global leader in biosimilars with an extensive presence across Europe and established expertise in ophthalmology biosimilars through recent acquisitions and products, is well-positioned to maximize commercial opportunities. Their real-world market knowledge and robust distribution channels align with Lupin’s aim of increasing global accessibility to lifesaving eye care medications.

By partnering, both companies leverage their strengths: Lupin’s high-quality manufacturing and regulatory capabilities combined with Sandoz’s marketing prowess and regional presence ensure an effective rollout. This collaboration is part of a growing trend of biosimilar partnerships designed to reduce costs and improve healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Broader Market Context

The global ranibizumab biosimilar market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising incidences of retinal diseases, aging populations, and increasing emphasis on cost-effective healthcare solutions. Biosimilars like Lupin’s offer potential savings to healthcare systems while maintaining high clinical standards.

Sandoz’s acquisition of ranibizumab commercialization rights in markets including the US and Europe highlights the competitive landscape, and this new alliance with Lupin expands the footprint into additional regions, including Asia-Pacific and Canada. Together, they aim to address unmet needs, especially in countries where affordability limits access to treatment.

Future Outlook

With production already underway, and regulatory filings being managed by Lupin, the partnership is expected to bring Lupin’s biosimilar ranibizumab to market in the covered territories within the next year. Access to this therapy is poised to improve for patients suffering from vision-threatening retinal diseases.

Both companies have expressed optimism about the partnership’s impact. Lupin’s President for EMEA and Emerging Markets noted the shared vision to expand access to innovative biologics, while Sandoz highlighted their commitment to providing more treatment options to patients globally.

This collaboration not only demonstrates Lupin’s growing leadership in the biosimilars space but also adds momentum to Sandoz’s ophthalmology portfolio, further strengthening their position in the competitive biosimilars market.

Sources: Lupin Limited official announcement, Sandoz Group news releases, Business Standard, Economic Times, NSE India disclosures

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