Sandoz to purchase Upsher-Smith’s AmLactin

Sandoz has entered into a definitive agreement with US-based pharmaceutical company Upsher-Smith Laboratories to acquire its skincare brand family AmLactin.

This agreement is part of Upsher-Smith's strategy to provide generics and novel therapies to customers.

Under terms of the agreement, until full transition of AmLactin to Sandoz is complete, Upsher-Smith will continue to distribute the brand's hand and body products to US consumers through its existing channels for a period of 60 days.

Sandoz's US president Peter Goldschmidt said: “Adding consumer skincare products to our successful branded and generic pharmaceutical portfolio will enable Sandoz to help even more patients with their skincare needs while continuing to grow a multi-faceted dermatology business."

Founded in 1919, Upsher-Smith Laboratories offers therapies and solutions aimed to improve individuals' lives.

AmLactin is a family of skincare brands by the firm. A unit of Novartis Group, Sandoz is a generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars company headquartered in Holzkirchen, Germany. Last year, it reported sales of $10.1bn and its products reached more than 500 million patients.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.