With an optimized manufacturing base, a narrower geographic footprint, and a tighter portfolio focus on differentiated biosimilars and hard-to-make generics, Novartis believes a more autonomous Sandoz division can remain an “integral part” of the Swiss group.

Clear progress is being made in the European value added medicines sector, Medicines for Europe’s outgoing sector chair Arun Narayan has highlighted in an interview with Generics Bulletin. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure that the market is supported by imminent legislative and regulatory initiatives, to ensure patients’ access to continuous innovation for existing medicines.

Partners Apotex and Ambio have announced approval of a second US teriparatide generic from the FDA, adding another Forteo rival to the market and removing hopes that Teva’s recently approved first generic could benefit from 180 days of market exclusivity. Further competition is also in the works with Amphastar awaiting FDA action on a further teriparatide ANDA.