Stada Arz expands biosimilars range, in-licensing Grastofil from Apotex

German generic and branded drugmaker Stada Arzneimittel (SAZ: GR) says it has strengthened its activities in the biosimilars area and in-licensed a filgrastim product, a copy of Amgen’s (Nasdaq: AMGN) Neupogen, from the largest Canadian owned pharmaceutical company Apotex.

The biosimilar, marketed under the name Grastofil, received approval from the European Commission for the treatment of n eutropenia in adults. The condition results in an abnormally low number of neutrophil granulocytes, a type of white blood cell that is essential for a functional immune system. Stada will assume sales of the biosimilar for nearly all European Union countries. Sales are planned to commence in 2014.

“With Grastofil, we are consequently following our strategy of selectively in-licensing biosimilars from high-profile partners,” says Michael Mack, vice president of biotechnology at Stada, adding: “The agreement with Apotex puts us in the position to expand our portfolio with a high-quality biosimilar at very favorable conditions. Stada brings its excellent international sales structures and comprehensive experience in the European market to the cooperation, which both partners will benefit from.”