BRIEF—Kyowa Kirin and Sandoz permitted partial change of rituximab biosimilar

Japanese drugmaker Kyowa Kirin and Swiss generics and biosimilars giant Sandoz have won approval for the partial change of their rituximab biosimilar for the treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome (frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent).

The companies are partnering on the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody copycat to Roche’s (ROG: SIX) reference product, a blockbuster which has been sold under the brand names MabThera and Rituxan.

Under the agreement with Sandoz announced in 2016, Kyowa Kirin is responsible for sales and marketing of the product in Japan.