R.P. Scherer Corporation and Sandoz Pharma Renew Collaboration for Soft Gelatin Capsule Production

Strategic Insights -

R.P. Scherer Corporation and Sandoz Pharma Ltd. have mutually agreed to renew their collaborative agreement for the manufacture of soft gelatin capsules for SANDIMMUN(R) (cyclosporin) and its successor, SANDIMMUN-NEORAL(R), until the year 2002. This partnership has been instrumental in revolutionizing organ transplantation with SANDIMMUN(R), a drug that significantly improves organ survival in transplant patients. The collaboration has resulted in a significant contribution to Sandoz' pharmaceutical sales, with SANDIMMUN(R) accounting for approximately 1.4 billion Swiss Francs of their 1994 sales of 7.2 billion Swiss Francs.

Key Takeaways:

  • R.P. Scherer Corporation and Sandoz Pharma Ltd. have renewed their collaborative agreement for the production of soft gelatin capsules for SANDIMMUN(R) and SANDIMMUN-NEORAL(R) until 2002.
  • SANDIMMUN(R) was introduced over a decade ago and has dramatically improved organ survival in transplant patients.
  • Neoral, the successor formulation of SANDIMMUN(R), utilizes a novel microemulsion technology to enhance medication absorption.
  • R.P. Scherer Corporation produces the capsules using patented processes developed jointly with Sandoz.
  • Both companies have worked together since 1989 to develop and manufacture this essential immunosuppressive formulation.
  • R.P. Scherer Corporation is the world's largest producer of soft gelatin capsules ("softgels") and operates a global network of 20 facilities in 12 countries.
  • Sandoz Pharma Ltd. is a leader in consumer health products and innovative therapies, with a focus on immunology, oncology, dermatology, and central nervous system diseases.
  • R.P. Scherer Corporation's proprietary drug delivery systems, such as R.P. SCHERERSOL(TM), ZYDIS(R), PULSINCAP(R), and OPTIDYNE technologies, improve drug efficacy by regulating dosage and enhancing bioavailability.

Statistics:

  • SANDIMMUN(R) accounted for approximately 19.4% of Sandoz' 1994 pharmaceutical sales.
  • Sandoz' 1994 pharmaceutical sales totaled 7.2 billion Swiss Francs.
  • R.P. Scherer Corporation operates a global network of 20 facilities in 12 countries.
  • SANDIMMUN(R) was introduced over a decade ago, revolutionizing organ transplantation.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire press release dated Nov. 15, 1995.
  • Sandoz Pharma Ltd. company information.
  • R.P. Scherer Corporation company information.