Hikma has pushed back against a further attempt by Amarin to counter its US generic version of Vascepa, this time via a fresh lawsuit claiming that the generic induces infringement of patents protecting cardiovascular indications for which the brand is approved but which are carved out of the generic label.

Sandoz has launched an awareness campaign under the banner of “Ask For Generics” in the US. The initiative is aiming to educate stakeholders on the benefits of generics and their quality, safety and efficacy.

Development Partners International, CDC Group and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have collaborated to create a “first of its kind, pan-African” generics platform built on the acquisition and combination of Egypt’s Adwia Pharmaceuticals and India’s Celon Laboratories. An initial $250m investment is to be followed by up to $500m in further funding.

Shanghai Henlius Biotech has begun dosing in a Phase I trial for its HLX14 planned biosimilar version of denosumab. Multiple biosimilar developers are vying to take a slice of the market for rivals to Amgen’s Xgeva/Prolia original.

China’s Bio-Thera Solutions has ventured outside of its domestic market for the first time by filing an application for a biosimilar version of Avastin with the European Medicines Agency. The company has also revealed its timeline for a submission to the FDA.

The European Commission’s newly-published Pharmaceutical Strategy features a range of proposals related to generics and biosimilars, including “targeted policies” to improve competition, remove barriers and increase uptake.