Core Insights - Sandoz has signed a global collaboration agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech to commercialize a biosimilar of ipilimumab, with a total consideration of up to USD 301 million, including an upfront payment of USD 31 million, targeting net reference-medicine sales of USD 2.5 billion [2][3][7] Company Overview - Sandoz is a global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a strategic ambition to occupy the leading position in the US biosimilars market, having recently moved up to third position [5][9] - The company has a robust biosimilars pipeline comprising 28 molecules and around 450 generic pipeline medicines, supporting its goal of sustainable long-term growth [5][9] - In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion [9] Collaboration Details - Under the agreement, Sandoz has exclusive commercial rights for the biosimilar of ipilimumab in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the US, with the core sequence patent for ipilimumab having expired in March 2025 in the US and set to expire no later than February 2026 in the EU [3][4] - Henlius is developing its own proposed biosimilar of ipilimumab in an integrated Phase I/III trial targeting 656 patients [4] Market Potential - The combination therapy of ipilimumab and nivolumab is used in 95% of eligible patients, indicating a significant market opportunity for Sandoz's biosimilar [7] - The agreement aims to address considerable unmet medical needs and increase worldwide access to cancer treatments, reinforcing Sandoz's commitment to expanding patient access and driving sustainable savings for healthcare systems [7]