Merck, Samsung add insulin glargine to biosimilars deal

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd. added a biosimilar of Lantus insulin glargine from Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY) to a February 2013 deal under which Merck and Samsung Bioepis are developing and commercializing multiple 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 Extra, Feb. 20, 2013). ...