Ranbaxy enters biosimilar product space with Zenotech, targets EU markets

Biosimilars are generic versions of biotherapeutics using recombinant DNA technology.

G-CSF is used to prevent infections from cancer chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (decrease in the number of a type of white-blood cells). The worldwide market for neutropenia treatment is in excess of $4 billion, while the global G-CSF market is about $1.6 billion.

"This agreement signals Ranbaxy's foray into biosimilars by pooling in Ranbaxy's significant regulatory and front-end infrastructure with Zenotech's expertise in the development and manufacture of biosimilar products," Malvinder Mohan Singh, CEO and managing director of Ranbaxy, said in a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The agreement also strengthens Ranbaxy's existing alliance with Zenotech for oncology products, in which the Indian pharma major already has a strategic stake, he added.

G-CSF is used for preventing infections from cancer chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (decrease in the number of a type of white-blood cells) - the worldwide market for the treatment, which is pegged at over $4 billion. The global G-CSF market is about $1 .6 billion, the company said.