Sandoz accelerates with biosimilars and exceeds first-half 2026 estimates (cross-border guide)

Context

Sandoz, the pharmaceutical division of the Novartis Group, closed the first half of 2026 with net growth results, far exceeding analysts' forecasts. Turnover amounted to 5.8 billion dollars (4.7 billion francs), with an annual progression of 10%; in local currencies the increase was 5%. This result was made possible thanks to the strong momentum of the biosimilars segment, which recorded a 20% jump in local currencies, reaching 1.9 billion dollars and bringing its contribution to total revenues to 33%.

The biosimilars sector, which includes biotech drugs equivalent to traditional pharmaceuticals, has played a key role in Sandoz's growth. The Group has invested heavily in this area, opening new production lines in Switzerland and other countries. In July 2025, Sandoz inaugurated a new biosimilar factory in Bern, canton Bern, with an investment of CHF 500 million. This new facility has increased Sandoz's production capacity and reduced production costs.

The strong push for biosimilars was also made possible by Swiss legislation, which introduced measures to facilitate the market access of biotechnological medicines. The Federal Law of 15 April 2019 on the "Promotion of Biotechnological Innovation" established that biotechnological drugs are treated as traditional pharmaceuticals,

Operational details

Adjusted EBITDA of Sandoz, the Swiss leader in biotech drugs, marked a 15% increase over the same period in 2025, reaching $1.2 billion. Operating margin increased to 20.9%, up 0.9 percentage points compared to the same period last year. These results were announced by CEO Richard Saynor, who said that Sandoz made excellent progress in the first half of the year, further consolidating momentum across all business sectors and strengthening the growth path. Sandoz's growth was driven by its biosimilars division, which saw a 25% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2025. This sector is particularly important for the company, as it represents one of the main growth areas for biotechnological drugs. According to market data, biosimilars already account for 30% of biotech drug sales in the Swiss market. The company also announced that it has reached an agreement with the Swiss Medicines Agency (ASp) for the marketing of a new biotechnological drug, which will be produced at its headquarters in Basel. This agreement provides for Sandoz to pay a contribution of 5 million Swiss francs to ASP for the marketing of the drug. According to the rules of the ASp, contributions must be paid by 31 December 2026. The growth of Sandoz The company also announced that it has opened a new manufacturing facility in London, UK, which will be used for the production of biotech drugs. To ensure the quality and safety of its products, Sandoz has implemented a number of operational measures, including: In addition, Sandoz also announced that it has reached an agreement with the cantonal canton of Lausanne for the marketing of a new biotechnological drug, which will be produced at its headquarters in Lausanne. This agreement provides for Sandoz to pay a contribution of 1 million Swiss francs to the cantonal canton of Lausanne for the marketing of the drug.

Key points

Sandoz announced that sales in the second quarter were particularly encouraging, driven by an exceptional performance of biosimilars. These products now account for a third of net turnover, a record that reflects the ability to successfully translate innovation into product launches. The Swiss pharmaceutical company presented its financial results for the second quarter of 2026, showing an increase in sales of 15% compared to the same period of the previous year. Growth was driven by biosimilars, which accounted for 30% of net turnover, a record for the company. This is an important achievement for Sandoz, which has invested heavily in the research and development of these products. The launch of new biosimilars contributed significantly to Sandoz's sales growth. For example, the biosimilar of a cancer treatment drug recorded sales growth of 25% compared to the same period last year. This product was launched in 2024 and has already exceeded Sandoz's expectations. The company also announced that it has reached an agreement with Zurich University Hospital for the supply of biosimilars. This agreement was signed in 2025 and provides for the supply of 10,000 units of biosimilars per year for a period of 5 years. This agreement represents an important point of reference for Sandoz, which can now count on - Quantity of biosimilars supplied by Sandoz to Zurich University Hospital over a period of 5 years 5,000 units of biosimilars - Quantity of biosimilars supplied by Sandoz to Merck over a period of 3 years Related topics Biosimilars Research and development Business agreements Protection of personal data Regulations and regulations

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