China’s Bio-Thera Solutions has received approval from the country’s NMPA to launch a Phase I clinical study comparing the pharmacokinetics and safety of its proposed ustekinumab biosimilar to Johnson & Johnson’s blockbuster psoriasis drug Stelara, the latest in a string of the biotech company’s products to advance into clinical development.

Hikma and Civica Rx have announced the launch of a first wave of eight essential injectable medicines, including heparin, as part of a deal struck between the two firms earlier this year.

Amneal has acquired a majority stake in manufacturer and wholesaler AvKARE, giving the firm access to the “large, complex and growing federal healthcare market.”

Lannett’s Phase I trial for biosimilar insulin glargine has met “all primary endpoints,” the company has announced. The rival to Sanofi’s Lantus is being developed by Lannett with partner HEC through a deal for which financial details have just been revealed.

Krka has revealed its new growth strategy for 2020-2024, including growing through joint ventures, partnerships and acquisitions and focusing on European, central Asian and Chinese markets. At the same time, the Slovenian firm has reported that its sales jumped by 12% in the first nine months of 2019.

India’s Cadila Healthcare, which has been suffering on the earnings front, is amalgamating four subsidiaries under its roof to reduce overheads from managing separate entities and avoid duplication of efforts after posting weak second-quarter earnings.