Sandoz completes acquisition of GSK’s cephalosporin business

Sandoz, a Novartis division, has acquired rights to three established brands (Zinnat, Zinacef and Fortum) in more than 100 markets, further reinforcing its leading global position in antibiotics. In 2020, the three brands had combined sales of approximately USD 140 million in the relevant markets.

“Antibiotics are the backbone of modern healthcare systems and a central pillar of our worldwide Sandoz patient offering”, said Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor. “Cephalosporins are the largest antibiotic segment by global sales and this acquisition complements our #1 position in generic penicillins, the other key segment. It also sets us up for additional synergies driven by an increased promotional footprint across markets.”

The transaction excludes rights to certain brands previously divested by GSK in the US, Australia and Germany. GSK will also retain full brand rights in China (excluding Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau), India, Pakistan, and Egypt and to certain brands in Japan, Novartis said in its press release.

In line with its integrated manufacturing strategy, Sandoz intends in the longer term to manufacture Zinnat at sites in its own network, which has global antibiotics production centered on its lead production site in Kundl, Austria. In May, Sandoz announced plans to invest more than EUR 150 million in its uniquely vertically-integrated, European-based antibiotics network.