Biocon Biologics extends partnership with US non-profit Civica to sell insulin

Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, on Thursday, October 16, announced a multi-year agreement with US non-profit company Civica, sealing an exclusive distribution channel to supply affordable insulins and other pharmaceutical products to the US.  

Biocon Biologics will manufacture and supply Insulin Glargine medicine and other products to Civica as part of the deal.

The new insulin medicine will be sold with Civica's branding across the US except for California, where it will be sold under

the CalRx brand. Civica will also handle all US sales, promotion, and distribution, according to the announcement.

At the same time, Biocon Biologics will continue to market and sell its FDA-approved Insulin Glargine-yfgn (Semglee) under its own brand name.

However, Biocon Biologics emphasised that it will continue to retain ownership of intellectual property and marketing authorisation associated with Insulin Glargine. The agreement does not involve any technology transfer, the company said. 

Shreehas Tambe, CEO and Managing Director, Biocon Biologics, said the partnership allows the manufacturer to tap underserved populations.

"By extending our collaboration with Civica Inc. to include Insulin Glargine, we are building on our differentiated approach to serving and enhancing patient access—by retaining our direct commercialization and through this strategic partnership. This collaboration enables us to reach underserved populations through new channels in direct alignment with our mission,” Tambe added.

Civica President and CEO Ned McCoy said the partnership allows the non-profit company to achieve its goal of making insulin accessible to people at an affordable price.

The partnership will strengthen US sales for Biocon, which is eyeing $7 billion global opportunity with four FDA approvals secured in the last 10 months. The company has nine products in its US portfolio.   

The announcement came after the market's close on Thursday, October 16. Biocon shares ended marginally higher at ₹357.85, up 0.41% from the opening price.