Sandoz Developing Holzkirchen Site Into Leading Biopharma Technical Development Hub To Support Future Biosimilar Growth

• Investment of EUR 25 million in building and equipment at Holzkirchen site, transforming lab building into a state-of-the-art biotech lab by Q4 2023
• Site to become leading analytical characterization center, represents significant step in expanding company’s Biopharma Technical Development (BioTD)
• Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder expresses strong support for the project
• Capacity expansion and collaboration with Munich universities and research institutions to attract talent, up to 45 full-time employees expected to be hired

Sandoz, a global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, today announced an investment of approximately EUR 25 million in its site in Holzkirchen, Germany, to expand its Biopharma Technical Development (BioTD) capabilities and complete a state-of-the-art biotech lab by Q4 2023.

As a result of the investment, Holzkirchen will become one of the primary technical locations for biosimilar development at Sandoz, bringing together state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical expertise at one site. Combined with a major expansion in 2017, this represents a total investment of nearly EUR 100 million in the company’s German headquarters.

Thomas Weigold, Sandoz Country President, Germany, and CEO of Hexal AG: “Our continued investment in Holzkirchen reflects our commitment to expanding our BioTD capabilities and reinforces our dedication to providing high-quality biosimilars to patients worldwide.”

Sandoz has also submitted a request to the Bavarian State Government for research funding to strengthen its development capabilities.

Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder: “The Free State of Bavaria strongly supports the continued expansion of Sandoz in Holzkirchen. This investment not only strengthens Bavaria’s position as a leading biotechnology hub but also creates new opportunities for research and development, spurring innovation and job growth.”

Dr. Florian Bieber, Development Platform Head, Biopharmaceuticals, and Chief Medical Officer, Sandoz: “With its central European location and close proximity to Munich, Holzkirchen is ideally situated to attract the top talent needed to establish the site as of a growing network of BioTD centers. In addition, we are increasing our efforts to explore areas of mutual interest and collaboration in bio development with the renowned local universities and research institutes.”

This announcement follows Sandoz's recent investments of at least USD 400 million for the construction of a new biologics production plant in Lendava, Slovenia, as well as a total of over EUR 200 million to expand its European-based antibiotics production network.

Sandoz is committed to helping millions of patients sustainably and affordably access critical and potentially life-changing biologic medicines across a range of areas including immunology, oncology, supportive care and endocrinology. It has a leading global portfolio with eight marketed biosimilars and a further 15+ in various stages of development.

About Sandoz
Sandoz, a Novartis division, is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. Our purpose is to pioneer access for patients by developing and commercializing novel, affordable approaches that address unmet medical needs. Our ambition is to be the world’s leading and most valued generics company. Our broad portfolio of high-quality medicines, covering major therapeutic areas, accounted for 2022 sales of USD 9.2 billion.