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Sandoz biosimilar receives European Commission approval

16 Feb 2009

A biosimilar indicated for the treatment of neutropenia has been approved by the European Commission, Sandoz has announced.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Novartis, explained in recent days that the move paves the way for the medicine to be made available to patients across the European Union.

It noted neutropenia is a condition which is characterised by a lack of white blood cells known as neutrophils, which are charged with protecting the body from infection.

Jeff George, chief executive officer of Sandoz, commented: "Filgrastim particularly helps patients receiving chemotherapy to increase their neutrophil counts, meaning they can better avoid the risk of the serious life threatening infections."

He added the company is looking forward to offering the option to oncology patients.

Last week, Novartis gained worldwide rights to elinogrel, a phase II anti-clotting compound which it stated has the potential to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.