Intas Pharma & Accord BioPharma become one of the largest global suppliers of pegfilgrastim with acquisition of Udenyca

Intas Pharmaceuticals, one of the leading multinational pharmaceutical formulation development, manufacturing and marketing companies in the world, in collaboration with its global subsidiaries operating under the Accord brand, has solidified its position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of pegfilgrastim following the successful acquisition of Udenyca (pegfilgrastim-cbqv) from Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
 
Udenyca, a biosimilar to Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), significantly expands Intas and Accord’s FDA-approved biosimilar portfolio and accelerates their strategic growth in the global biosimilar market. Accord is already a pegfilgrastim market leader in Europe—having been the first to commercialize a biosimilar pegfilgrastim and the only company to launch an autoinjector— has maintained its leadership despite intense competition. This acquisition further strengthens the company’s presence and impact in both the US and international biosimilar landscapes.
 
With the acquisition, Accord BioPharma, the US specialty business of Intas, continues the commercialization of Udenyca to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia. Udenyca offers three patient-friendly administration options—autoinjector (AI), on-body injector (OBI), and prefilled syringe (PFS)—providing flexibility for treatment at home, on-the-go, or in clinical settings. Since its commercial launch, over 300,000 patients have been treated with Udenyca and more than 1.4 million units have been distributed.
 
The acquisition not only expands Accord BioPharma's product offerings but also brings a wealth of talent from Coherus BioSciences. Key Coherus employees across multiple functions, including sales, marketing, finance, supply chain, and quality and manufacturing, who have joined Accord BioPharma, will play a crucial role in supply and services continuity/transition and expanding the company's work around Udenyca.
 
Binish Chudgar, chairman and managing director of Intas Pharmaceuticals, said: "We are energized by this addition to Accord BioPharma's portfolio because it exemplifies our commitment to improving patient access to high-quality treatments that meet the evolving needs of both patients and healthcare providers. This acquisition cements our position as a global leader in pegfilgrastim and allows us to further expand our specialty division across key international markets."
 
Chrys Kokino, US president of Accord BioPharma, commented: "The completion of the Udenyca acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Accord BioPharma, as it not only strengthens our market presence but broadens our capabilities as we endeavour to innovate and expand in the biosimilar space."
 
Paul Tredwell, EMENA executive vice-president of Accord, added: “With the Accord Biopharma team now fully commercializing Udenyca in three different formulations, this development strengthens Accord’s offering and advances our goal of becoming the world’s leading supplier of pegfilgrastim.”
 
Udenyca is a leukocyte growth factor indicated to: 
•    Decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.
•    Increase survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Subsyndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome).
 
Udenyca is not indicated for the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
 
Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P. acted as legal counsel to Accord and Intas with respect to the Transaction.
 
Intas Pharmaceuticals is a pioneer in biosimilars, having developed and launched one of the highest numbers of indigenous biosimilars in India. Intas Pharmaceuticals has a rich history of making quality biosimilars accessible to the masses in India. 
 
Accord BioPharma, Inc., the US specialty division of Intas Pharmaceuticals, seeks to provide affordable, accessible, patient-centric therapies in oncology, immunology, and critical care. 
 
Coherus BioSciences, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of innovative immunotherapies to treat cancer. Coherus is developing an innovative immuno-oncology pipeline that is expected to be synergistic with its proven commercial capabilities in oncology.