The latest Generics Bulletin Top 50 ranking of global generics and biosimilars companies sees a new name in the top five amid transformations for some of the leading off-patent players. Meanwhile, a number of mid-level firms shift position and newcomers climb into the bottom of the table.

Japan’s Nippon Chemiphar and the International Finance Corporation have announced an alliance that will see the pair collaborate to boost local production of generics in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports.

Three strong quarters in a row have prompted Nippon Chemiphar to revise up its FY2021 forecasts, thanks to strong sales of generic drugs launched in FY2020 and June 2021, as well as an increase in demand due to quality control issues faced by competitors.

After an extraordinary year that saw demand patterns and the supply chain upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a major merger that has transformed one of the global off-patent industry’s biggest players, Generics Bulletin’s Top 50 has once again seen significant changes.