Biogen to expand biosimilar portfolio through new transaction with Samsung Bioepis.

Biogen Inc. announced a new proposed transaction with Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. to secure the exclusive rights to commercialize two new ophthalmology biosimilars, SB 11 referencing Lucentis and SB 15 referencing Eylea, in major markets worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. In addition, Biogen will acquire exclusive commercialization rights for its anti-TNF portfolio, including Benepali (etanercept), Flixabi (infliximab) and Imraldi (adalimumab), in China. Biogen will also acquire an option to extend its existing commercial agreement with Samsung Bioepis for this anti-TNF portfolio in Europe. Biosimilars are products that have been demonstrated to be similar in efficacy and safety to the originator�s approved biological product, with the advantage that they offer cost savings and promote sustainable access to therapies. In Europe, over 180,000 patients have been treated with a Biogen anti-TNF biosimilar, and, based on its internal estimates, the company expects the uptake of Benepali, Flixabi and Imraldi to generate approximately 1.8 billion Euros in healthcare cost savings in 20193. The proposed addition of the two ophthalmology biosimilars complements Biogen�s expanding efforts in this therapeutic area. Through the recent acquisition of Nightstar Therapeutics plc, a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on treatments for inherited retinal disorders, Biogen acquired two mid- to late-stage clinical assets, as well as several preclinical programs, in ophthalmology.