Merck sells biosimilars business to Fresenius to focus on innovative drugs

Belen Garijo, member of the executive board of Merck and CEO healthcare, added, “The divestment of our biosimilars business is a major step towards strategically aligning our R&D resources to Merck's healthcare priorities. We have increasing confidence in our biopharma pipeline and this transaction will help prioritise innovative drug development of high quality and first-to-market best-in-disease assets. The partnership with Fresenius will allow us to exploit our biosimilars portfolio to full potential while granting Merck a substantial return on prior investments.”

Biosimilars are a fast-growing segment within the pharmaceutical market. Some of the largest biological branded products will go off patent over the next years. “With this acquisition, Fresenius Kabi enhances its position as a leading player in the injectables pharmaceutical market and further diversifies its product portfolio. The acquisition creates a platform for further growth,” emphasised Mats Henriksson, CEO of Fresenius Kabi.

The biosimilars unit is part of the healthcare business of Merck and is located in Aubonne and Vevey in Canton de Vaud, Switzerland. The business is developing a biosimilars portfolio focused on oncology and inflammatory disorders. After completion of the transaction the biosimilars unit will continue to operate in these locations.