Stada has struck a deal to partner with Italy’s NTC to market a portfolio of ophthalmic brands in the MENA region. At the same time, the German generics giant has agreed a distribution deal for the Czech Republic with Latvia’s Kalceks.

Steffen Wagner has taken over as Stada’s head of Germany, adding to his existing responsibilities in Europe, after Eelco Ockers stepped down from the role. Ockers’ departure comes as German generics giant Stada restructures its business to bring its branded and consumer health interests into closer alignment as part of a more streamlined model.

Stada Arzneimittel has made several appointments to its management team to implement a “new strategic orientation” that will see the German group focus on the ‘three pillars’ of “generics, non-prescription brands and specialty pharmaceuticals such as biosimilars” as well as expand in emerging markets (Generics bulletin, 16 March 2018, page 1). Miguel Pagan – Sandoz’ head of global technical operations and former head in Europe and India – will join Stada’s executive board with responsibility for production and development, replacing Barthold Piening. Having joined Stada from Acino midway through last year (Generics bulletin, 27 January 2017, page 16), Piening’s membership of Stada’s executive board has been cancelled with immediate effect and he “will leave Stada at the end of May 2018 in order to pursue new career opportunities”.