Teva is gearing up to introduce the Ongavia ranibizumab biosimilar in the UK, following an approval by the local regulator ahead of its European counterpart. The development means the Israeli firm and partners Bioeq and Formycon could secure a global first launch of a rival to Lucentis, ahead of expected imminent launches by Samsung Bioepis of its Byooviz version in the US and Europe.

In the wake of parent company Samsung Biologics completing its full acquisition of Samsung Bioepis, the Korea-based biosimilars player has told Generics Bulletin that it will be a “more robust company,” as it applies more rigorous standards to replenishing its pipeline of biosimilar candidates.

Enbrel (etanercept) originator Pfizer has filed suit in Australia over the sale of Samsung Bioepis’ rival Brenzys biosimilar. It alleges that it has “suffered, and will continue to suffer, substantial loss and damage.”

Biocon is progressing trials for biosimilar rivals to Amgen’s Prolia/Xgeva (denosumab) and J&J’s Stelara (ustekinumab), even as it gears for other large opportunities coming its way via the Viatris deal including for blockbusters Humira and Eylea.