Janssen Pharmaceutica to expand production of Sirturo in Russia
Janssen Pharmaceutica, which is part of US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson, plans to increase production of its Sirturo (bedaquiline) – an anti-tuberculosis drug – in Russia, at the capacities of a local drugmaker Pharmstandard, according to recent statements of the companies, reports The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent.
The drug is already produced by Janssen in Russia and it is planned that additional production capacities will be established at the facilities of Russian drugmaker Pharmstandard’s Ufa Vitamin Plant. The increase of production will allow Janssen to significantly expand the geography of supplies of Sirturo worldwide.
Details of the contract are not disclosed.
Sirturo is used to treat multidrug-resistant lung tuberculosis in adults. In 2012, Pharmstandard obtained commercial rights for the drug in Russia, some CIS countries, Eastern Europe and Asia: Janssen transferred its technologies and know-how to the company for its production in Russia. In 2013, Pharmstandard became a holder of a registration certificate for Sirturo in Russia.
According to an official representative of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), Sirturo, in addition to Russia, has been produced at several production sites in India.
“Expansion of the partnership with Pharmstandard will help Johnson & Johnson to provide additional supplies of the drug worldwide,” according to Paul Stoffels, J&J's director of research.
It is likely the new agreement will allow Pharmstandard to utilize more capacity of the plant, and therefore to reduce its cost, and in particular in the Russian market. The reduction of the price will make the drug more attractive for public procurements.
The volume of investments in the project is not disclosed, however, according to some sources close to the companies, it may vary in the range of $30-$40 million.
Source: The Pharma Letter