Biogen Idec, Merck, Samsung Group deal
Merck and Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd. added a biosimilar of Lantus insulin glargine from Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY, Paris, France) to a February 2013 deal under which Merck and Samsung Bioepis are developing and commercializing multiple undisclosed biosimilars. Merck and Samsung Bioepis will collaborate on clinical development, regulatory filings and manufacturing of MK-1293, the insulin glargine biosimilar. Merck will be responsible for worldwide commercialization. The partners said global Phase III trials of the biosimilar in Type I and Type II diabetes will start "soon." Merck and Samsung Bioepis declined to disclose financial terms (see BioCentury, Feb. 25, 2013).
Lantus, a synthetic sustained-release subcutaneous insulin analog, is approved in the EU to treat diabetes mellitus in patients ages six years and older when treatment with insulin is required. In the U.S., Lantus is approved to treat children and adults with Type I diabetes and adults with Type II diabetes. Sanofi recorded 2013 net sales of €5.7 billion ($7.9 billion) for the drug. ...