Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted its Biologics License Application for filgrastim, which was filed under the new biosimilar pathway created in the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCIA).

The reference product - Amgen's Neupogen - is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anticancer drugs associated with a significant incidence of severe neutropenia with fever.

"This filing acceptance represents a significant step toward making high-quality biologics more accessible in the US and we applaud FDA for its progress in making this a reality," said Mark McCamish, M.D., Ph.D., and Head of Global Biopharmaceutical & Oncology Injectables Development at Sandoz. "As they've done in Europe and other highly-regulated markets around the world, biosimilars are poised to increase US patient access to affordable, high-quality biologics, while reducing the financial burden on payers and the overall healthcare system."

Under the brand name Zarzio, the Sandoz biosimilar filgrastim has been marketed in more than 40 countries outside the US, generating nearly six million patient-exposure days of experience. Zarzio is the number one biosimilar filgrastim globally and is the leading daily G-CSF in Europe with 30 per cent volume market share.

Sandoz is a pioneer in biosimilars and the global market leader with over 50% share of all biosimilars approved in the highly-regulated markets of Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia.  Sandoz currently markets three biosimilars outside the US; each of which occupies the biosimilar position in its respective category. Sandoz biosimilars are sold in over 60 countries and have generated over 200 million patient-exposure days in experience. Sandoz also has an unrivalled pipeline with several molecules in various stages of development. Sandoz now has six molecules in phase III clinical trials/filing preparation, more than any other company in the industry.

Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, is a global leader in the generic pharmaceutical sector.  Sandoz employs over 26,500 employees and its products are available in more than 160 countries, offering a broad range of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents.