Sandoz
Sandoz is a global off-patent pharmaceuticals leader operating in 100+ countries with 3,500+ generics and 12 biosimilars. Spun off from Novartis in October 2023, it serves hospitals, pharmacies, and patients with affordable generics, biosimilars, and specialty drug delivery products.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersHolzkirchen, Germany
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sandoz does
Sandoz is a global leader in off-patent pharmaceuticals, operating across more than 100 countries with a portfolio of over 400 active ingredients, approximately 3,500 generic medicines, 12 biosimilars on market, and a pipeline of 28 additional biosimilars. The company became an independent publicly traded entity following its October 2023 spin-off from Novartis and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under ticker SDZ (and on OTCQX as SDZNY). In Germany, its single largest market, Sandoz operates through sub-brands Hexal and 1 A Pharma, with manufacturing sites in Holzkirchen, Barleben, Osterweddingen, and Rudolstadt. The company employs more than 22,000 people globally. Biosimilars now contribute approximately 30% of group revenues, having reached the company's strategic mix target three years ahead of schedule.
Sandoz manufactures across multiple modalities including small molecule generics, biologics and biosimilars, transdermal patches, inhalation devices, and injectable formulations. Notable proprietary capabilities include fentanyl transdermal patch technology, the Forspiro inhaler device, and a continuous biologics manufacturing platform acquired in December 2025 through the Just-Evotec Biologics EU SAS transaction, which delivers over 10x productivity gains versus traditional fed-batch methods. Manufacturing scale is significant: 11+ billion tablets annually at Barleben, 60 million transdermal patches at Holzkirchen, and 240 million antibiotic packages at Kundl, Austria. The company is also investing USD 400M+ in a new Slovenia biologics facility.
Sandoz generates revenue primarily through one-time sales of generic and biosimilar medicines across cardiovascular, CNS, oncology, infectious disease, pain management, and respiratory categories. Revenue is supplemented by licensing and milestone payments and contract manufacturing through Salutas Pharma. The go-to-market is sales-led, with direct commercial operations in major markets supplemented by biosimilar channel partnerships with Samsung Bioepis, Polpharma Biologics, Alvotech, and EirGenix. 2025 group revenue was $11.1 billion USD, up from $10.4 billion in 2024, with growth driven by biosimilar scaling, geographic expansion, and entry into adjacent categories including GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Sandoz firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sandoz
- Legal name
- Hexal AG
- Website
- https://sandoz.de
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Sandoz is a global off-patent pharmaceuticals leader operating in 100+ countries with 3,500+ generics and 12 biosimilars. Spun off from Novartis in October 2023, it serves hospitals, pharmacies, and patients with affordable generics, biosimilars, and specialty drug delivery products.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sandoz industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Generic Pharmaceuticals and Biosimilars
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Generic Hospital & Institutional Products (HLAIABAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Biologics & Biosimilars Distributors (HLAIAJAH), Specialty Care Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAB), Pulmonology & Allergy Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAF)
Keywords
Where Sandoz is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Holzkirchen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices9 records
Markets served
Sandoz business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Generic Pharmaceuticals: Sales of off-patent generic medicines across multiple therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, CNS, oncology, infectious diseases, pain management, and respiratory. Products sold under Sandoz, Hexal, and 1 A Pharma brands.
- Biosimilars: Sales of biosimilar medicines competing with reference biologics in immunology, oncology, ophthalmology, and neurology. Contributed 30% of group revenues, meeting targets ahead of schedule.
- OTC Products: Over-the-counter medications sold through pharmacies under Hexal and 1 A Pharma brands, including ACC akut, Lorano akut, and Gingium.
- Licensing and Milestone Payments: Revenue from licensing agreements including up to USD 152 million from EirGenix for HER2 biosimilar commercialization rights.
- Contract Manufacturing Services: Manufacturing services for third-party customers through Salutas Pharma, producing for Sandoz group companies and external clients in approximately 100 countries.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Sandoz product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sandoz develops, manufactures, and commercializes off-patent generic medicines and biosimilars, offering a portfolio of more than 400 active ingredients across approximately 3,500 generic medicines and 12 on-market biosimilars. Products span cardiovascular, central nervous system, oncology, infectious diseases, pain management, and respiratory therapeutic areas, sold under the Sandoz, Hexal, and 1 A Pharma brands to healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and through biosimilar commercialization partnerships. The company also provides contract manufacturing services through its Salutas Pharma subsidiary.
Product overview
Sandoz is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, operating as an independent company following its spin-off from Novartis in October 2023. The company offers a broad portfolio of over 400 active ingredients across approximately 3,500 generic medicines and 12 biosimilars. Its product portfolio spans multiple therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, central nervous system, oncology, infectious diseases, pain treatment, and respiratory therapies. The company markets products through sub-brands Hexal and 1 A Pharma in Germany, while commercializing biosimilars globally under the Sandoz name. Manufacturing operations include facilities in Germany (Holzkirchen, Barleben, Osterweddingen, Rudolstadt), Austria (Kundl, Schaftenau), and the acquired Just-Evotec Biologics site in Toulouse, France. Sandoz also operates contract manufacturing through subsidiaries Salutas Pharma GmbH and AEROPHARM GmbH, producing solid oral dosage forms, topical formulations, transdermal patches, and respiratory products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Hexal: Leading brand in German healthcare offering prescription and OTC products including ACC akut, Lorano akut, Gingium, and biotechnologically manufactured medicines (biosimilars)
- 1 A Pharma
- Tyruko
- Hyrimoz
- Afqlir
- Pyzchiva
- RANLUSPEC
Products and services
- Hexal brand portfolio (generic and OTC medicines)
- 1 A Pharma brand portfolio (generic medicines)
- TYRUKO (natalizumab biosimilar)
- RANLUSPEC (ranibizumab biosimilar)
- Afqlir (aflibercept biosimilar)
- Pyzchiva (ustekinumab biosimilar)
- Hyrimoz (adalimumab biosimilar)
- Estrogen Transdermal Patches (Climara, Menostar)
- Generic Antibiotics Portfolio
- Contract Manufacturing Services (Salutas Pharma GmbH)
Quantifiable outcome
- Supplying approximately 10% of patients in Germany
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Sandoz
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Sandoz technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Sandoz partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Novartis AGminorCollaborative agreement including potential milestone payments of up to USD 400 million for therapeutic development and commercialization, alongside Sandoz's separate MOU for biologics plant in Slovenia.
- Avecho BiotechnologyminorExisting licensing agreement with Sandoz for Australian commercial rights worth US$3 million upfront plus up to US$16 million in milestones and royalties for TPM-enhanced CBD capsules.
- Henlius BiotechminorStrategic collaboration between Henlius and Sandoz for global partnership network expansion as reported in Henlius 2025 results.
- Samsung BioepiscorePartnership to develop and commercialize up to five biosimilar medicines, starting with a vedolizumab biosimilar (SB36) for treating Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis. Samsung Bioepis handles development, regulatory submissions, and manufacturing while Sandoz gains exclusive global commercialization rights except in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and Republic of Korea. Partnership could expand pipeline by up to 32 assets targeting $320 billion global biosimilar market opportunity by 2036.
- Strides Pharma ScienceminorStrides Pharma acquired and licensed a portfolio of branded generic medicines from Sandoz for approximately $12 million. Portfolio includes established products across anti-infectives, cardiovascular, and dermatology therapeutic areas. Acquisition expected to expand Strides' footprint in major African markets including Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, supporting Sandoz's portfolio optimization.
- AlvotechcoreSupply and commercialization agreements covering multiple biosimilar candidates in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Canada agreement covers one biosimilar candidate in ophthalmology delivered as prefilled syringe. Australia and New Zealand agreement encompasses three candidates across immunology and gastroenterology. Sandoz handles regulatory filings, commercialization, and distribution while Alvotech retains responsibility for development, global clinical activities, and manufacturing.
- Evotec SEcoreCompleted acquisition of Just-Evotec Biologics EU SAS including Toulouse development and manufacturing site plus indefinite license to continuous manufacturing technology for biosimilars. Deal valued at approximately $350 million initial consideration with potential over $650 million in biosimilar-linked milestone payments and royalties. Expands Sandoz's in-house drug substance development and manufacturing capabilities.
- Polpharma BiologicscorePartnership for Tyruko (natalizumab-sztn), the first and only FDA-approved biosimilar for multiple sclerosis. Polpharma Biologics develops and manufactures while Sandoz commercializes globally under exclusive license. Drug substance supplied from Poland.
- EirGenixcoreLicensing agreement for commercialization of HER2 biosimilar EG1206A covering most territories except specific Asian countries. Deal includes up to USD 152 million in payments. EirGenix responsible for development and manufacturing while Sandoz handles commercialization.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Sandoz competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Stada Arzneimittel: German-headquartered generics, specialty, and OTC player with strong European brand portfolio (e.g., Grippostad). Comparable to Sandoz's Hexal/1 A Pharma franchise and DACH-centric operations.
- Viatris: Formed via Mylan-Upjohn combination, Viatris is a major generics and biosimilars company with a similarly broad off-patent portfolio and global commercial footprint, directly comparable in scale and strategic positioning.
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries: Global leader in off-patent generics and biosimilars with broad therapeutic coverage. Closely comparable to Sandoz in business model (generic + specialty), geographic reach, and pricing competition in major markets.
- Aurobindo Pharma: Indian-headquartered generics manufacturer with significant US and EU presence. Comparable to Sandoz as a high-volume, cost-competitive generics supplier targeting similar institutional and retail customers.
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: India's largest generics company with growing specialty/biosimilar presence. Directly comparable as a global generics supplier with similar therapeutic breadth and pricing competitive dynamics.
- Apotex: Canadian-based generics manufacturer with significant investment in biosimilars. Comparable to Sandoz in its focus on affordable off-patent medicines and biosimilar pipeline development.
- Lupin: Indian generics manufacturer with strong US and emerging market presence and growing complex generics/specialty portfolio. Comparable in scale and target markets, especially in respiratory and biosimilars.
- Dr. Reddy's Laboratories: Indian multinational with strong generics portfolio and growing biosimilars/biologics franchise. Comparable to Sandoz in therapeutic breadth, regulatory complexity, and emerging biosimilar ambitions.
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals: UK-listed generics and specialty injectable manufacturer with strong hospital/injectables franchise. Comparable to Sandoz in institutional/hospital channel and complex injectable capabilities.
Emerging players
- Celltrion: South Korean biosimilars specialist competing with Sandoz in immunology and oncology biosimilars. Comparable as a focused biosimilar rival, particularly strong in Asia where Sandoz is excluded.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sandoz social profiles
Digital presenceSandoz compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Sandoz financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sandoz leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Sandoz subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Sandoz funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sandoz M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sandoz
What does Sandoz do?
Sandoz develops, manufactures, and commercializes off-patent generic medicines and biosimilars, offering a portfolio of more than 400 active ingredients across approximately 3,500 generic medicines and 12 on-market biosimilars. Products span cardiovascular, central nervous system, oncology, infectious diseases, pain management, and respiratory therapeutic areas, sold under the Sandoz, Hexal, and 1 A Pharma brands to healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and through biosimilar commercialization partnerships. The company also provides contract manufacturing services through its Salutas Pharma subsidiary.
Is Sandoz a public or private company?
Sandoz is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Sandoz founded?
Sandoz was founded in 2023. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Sandoz based?
Sandoz is headquartered in Holzkirchen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Sandoz make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Generic Pharmaceuticals are the primary driver. The others are biosimilars, OTC Products, licensing and Milestone Payments and contract Manufacturing Services.
Who are Sandoz's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Stada Arzneimittel, Viatris, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Aurobindo Pharma, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Apotex, Lupin, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Hikma Pharmaceuticals. Celltrion is listed as an emerging player.
Does Sandoz have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sandoz.
What industry is Sandoz in?
Sandoz's product category is Generic Pharmaceuticals and Biosimilars. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIABAL, Generic Hospital & Institutional Products, with a secondary code of HLAIAJAH, Biologics & Biosimilars Distributors. Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 2834.