Sandoz has entered into an agreement with Gan & Lee Pharmaceutical to commercialize biosimilar versions of insulins used in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These medicines are currently in early and clinical stages of development for the EU, U.S. and other territories.
 
The commercialization and supply agreement with Gan & Lee aims at bringing to market biosimilar versions of glargine, lispro and aspart, the three top insulin medicines by sales. Gan & Lee is a leading insulin supplier headquartered in China with more than 20 years’ experience in insulins. Sandoz will be fully responsible for commercializing these medicines in the EU, U.S., Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Gan & Lee will be responsible for manufacturing and development.
 
“Across the world, people suffering from diabetes still face very real access challenges. In fact, U.S. patients have reported taking less insulin than recommended by their doctor because they couldn’t afford it, putting them at higher risk for serious complications,” said Richard Francis, chief executive officer, Sandoz. “At Sandoz, we have significant experience disrupting and transforming marketplaces, and look forward to extending access for the more than 420 million people worldwide suffering from diabetes.”
 
Stefan Hendriks, global head of biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz, said, “Tackling the personal and healthcare burden of diabetes has become a global priority. With a majority of insulin therapy offered by just a few companies, healthcare systems and the insulin supply are under increasing pressure to meet the growing demands. As the pioneer and global leader in biosimilars, Sandoz is proud to expand our endocrinology portfolio into insulins to help people living with diabetes access the medicines they need for the long-term.”