Sandoz, the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, announced the start of construction for a new, state-of-the-art biosimilars production center for sterile product manufacturing in Brnik, Slovenia. This USD 440 million project brings the company’s total planned and ongoing investment in Slovenia to more than USD 1.1 billion by 2029. It complements ongoing investments in Slovenia, namely a new biosimilar drug substance production center in Lendava and a biosimilar development center in Ljubljana.
The construction start on the new plant marks the latest development in the company’s strategic plan to capture a significant part of an unprecedented market opportunity, with the value of biosimilar patent expiries expected to reach USD 222 billion[1] over the next 10 years. The ongoing investments in in-house capabilities to establish a fully integrated European biosimilar hub are in line with the existing capital expenditure (CapEx) commitments related to Sandoz operations in Slovenia.
Richard Saynor, Chief Executive Officer of Sandoz, said: "Biosimilars is the fastest-growing segment of our pipeline as the need of patients and healthcare systems for these critical medicines continues to grow rapidly. As the global leader in the field, we are investing to meet rapidly growing patient demand. With a commitment of over USD 1.1 billion, we are proud to significantly expand our biosimilar manufacturing capacity in Europe as Slovenia’s largest direct foreign investor. This is another major step that will position Sandoz uniquely to capitalize on the unprecedented biosimilars market opportunity of the next decade."
Glenn Gerecke, Chief Manufacturing and Supply Officer at Sandoz, said: "Our investment in biomanufacturing in the heart of Europe marks another important milestone in building our own independent manufacturing network – one that enhances our control, resilience and agility across the global supply chain. We recognize the strategic value Slovenia brings for us as a company: a highly skilled talent pool in natural sciences and engineering; a central location with world-class logistics infrastructure; cost-competitive production; and a stable, innovation-driven environment closely connected to academia and research."
As the global pioneer and leader in biosimilars, with 11 marketed molecules and an industry-leading pipeline of 28 molecules, Sandoz is uniquely placed to seize this opportunity and play a leading role in ensuring continued patient access to these critical medicines. The new high-tech facility in Brnik will focus on the production of injectable products for both the existing and upcoming portfolio of biosimilars. It will include preparation, filling, assembly and packaging of sterile injectable products, along with laboratories for quality control. Designed with the latest technology, the site will enhance the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, affordable biosimilars to patients worldwide.
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