Holzkirchen, 25 January, 2016 – Sandoz, a Novartis company and the global leader in biosimilars, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd for the distribution and promotion of its biosimilar rituximab – a monoclonal antibody, in Japan.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sandoz will file for marketing authorization of biosimilar rituximab and its manufacture if approved. Kyowa Hakko Kirin will be responsible for all sales, marketing and promotion activities in Japan.

Kyowa Hakko Kirin will pay Sandoz …