Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC announced today it has acquired the FDA-approved Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for trametinib tablets from Novugen, securing 180 days of US generic market exclusivity for this important oncology medication. Under the commercial agreement, Hikma will manage all US sales and marketing while Novugen will manufacture and supply the product.
Trametinib is an orally administered kinase inhibitor used to treat certain types of cancer. The generic version of Novartis's Mekinist® had US sales of approximately $436 million in the 12 months ending December 2024, according to IQVIA data.
"Hikma's Generics business is accelerating its efforts to expand its pipeline by developing and acquiring important medicines in growing therapeutic areas most needed by US patients and healthcare providers," said Dr. Hafrun Fridriksdottir, president of Hikma Generics. "Our acquisition of this cancer treatment strengthens our broad US pipeline of essential medicines and will further our ability to put better health within reach every day for millions of Americans."
Strategic Importance for Oncology Access
The acquisition aligns with Hikma's strategy to expand its portfolio in high-value therapeutic areas while improving patient access to critical medications. Trametinib represents a significant addition to Hikma's oncology offerings, an area where affordable treatment options remain a pressing healthcare need.
Rahil Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of Novugen, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "As cancer treatment remains a critical healthcare challenge, our partnership with Hikma reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the availability of effective, cost-efficient, and high-quality oncology treatments in the US."
Mahmood added that the first-to-file status "is a testament to Novugen's innovation, regulatory excellence, and dedication to expanding access to high-barrier, niche products with limited alternatives—ensuring life-changing treatments reach more US patients."
Market Impact and Exclusivity Advantage
The 180-day exclusivity period provides Hikma with a significant commercial advantage as the sole generic competitor to Mekinist® during this timeframe. This exclusivity is granted to the first generic applicant who successfully challenges a brand-name drug's patents.
Industry analysts note that such exclusivity periods typically allow generic manufacturers to establish market position while offering the medication at a price point lower than the branded version but higher than what would be expected in a multi-generic market environment.
Expanding Hikma's US Footprint
Hikma has been strategically enhancing its presence in the US generics market. The company's Generics business already supplies a range of oral, inhalation, and other generic and specialty products in North America, with particular expertise in complex technologies such as nasal sprays, where it is the largest supplier by volume in the US.
This acquisition follows other recent moves by Hikma to strengthen its US portfolio, including receiving FDA approval for generic versions of other important medications.
About Trametinib
Trametinib is a MEK inhibitor that blocks the activity of proteins in the MAPK pathway, which is often overactive in certain types of cancer. It is approved for treating several conditions, including:
- Metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as a single agent or in combination with dabrafenib
- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with BRAF V600E mutation, in combination with dabrafenib
- Locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer with BRAF V600E mutation, in combination with dabrafenib
About the Companies
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in the UK with a 45-year history of making high-quality medicines accessible globally. The company employs approximately 9,500 people and maintains operations across North America, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Novugen is a wholly owned subsidiary of SciTech International, a UAE-based healthcare group with over 30 years of industry experience. The company specializes in difficult-to-formulate generics and operates FDA-approved pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Malaysia—the first in Southeast Asia dedicated to oral solid dosage forms for general medicines and highly potent oncology drugs.
The transaction's financial details were not disclosed in the announcement.
