Samsung Bioepis has beaten its rivals to become the first firm to announce successful filing of a ranibizumab biosimilar rival to Lucentis in the EU.

A series of major COVID-19-related manufacturing deals reached by South Korean firms indicate the country could emerge as a major base for the production of drugs and vaccines.

Samsung BioLogics’ construction of a fourth, large-scale manufacturing plant reflects increasing orders amid robust global COVID-19 R&D activities and further cements the Korean firm's position as the world's biggest contract biologics producer. 

Despite plans to launch a biosimilar to Enbrel in August and a generic to ProAir in September, Lupin cut its FY21 EBITDA forecast to 17% from 19-20%, as first-quarter revenues were hit by COVID-19 and a recall of metformin in the US. Meanwhile, it sees the US “Buy American” order for some essential medicines as a near-term opportunity.