Novartis' Sandoz has formed a global partnership with Biocon to develop, manufacture and commercialise multiple biosimilars in immunology and oncology.

Both companies will share responsibility for end-to-end development, manufacturing and global regulatory approvals for a number of products, and will have a cost and profit share arrangement globally.

Worldwide commercialisation responsibilities will be divided and each company's strengths will be leveraged within specific geographies, so that Sandoz will lead in North America and the European Union while Biocon will take on rest of the world.

Further details on the deal were not released at this time.

"Together, we will be able to realize benefits at every stage of the value chain, from development, through manufacturing to commercialisation," said Carol Lynch, global head, Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz.

"This collaboration further strengthens our ability to deliver next-generation biosimilar medicines to patients."