Merck KGaA moves into biosimilars

Merck KGaA (Xetra:MRK) said its Merck Serono division partnered with Dr. Reddy%27s Laboratories Ltd. (NYSE:RDY) to co-develop and commercialize biosimilars for cancer, with a focus on mAbs. The partners will share R&D costs. Dr. Reddy%27s will lead early development through Phase I testing, after which Merck Serono will lead manufacturing and development through Phase III trials. Merck Serono will commercialize the products outside the U.S. except in certain emerging markets where Dr. Reddy%27s will have rights. Dr. Reddy%27s is eligible for royalties. In the U.S., the partners will co-commercialize the products on a profit-sharing basis. Merck Serono created a dedicated biosimilars unit in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, where the division's main biologics manufacturing facilities are located. ...