Sandoz closing Fougera facilities on Long Island, N.Y.

Sandoz announced the closure of the Fougera manufacturing and packaging facilities located in Melville and Hicksville on Long Island, N.Y. 

“The closure process will begin with this announcement, and we currently anticipate that it will conclude around the end of 2026 – a date dependent on the business environment and the progress of the necessary closure activities and transfers,” Sandoz said.

Sandoz said the decision was driven by its ongoing optimization of the worldwide Sandoz manufacturing network to meet the needs of its customers, patients and business. 

[Read more: Novartis completes Spin-off of Sandoz generics, biosimilars business]

Sandoz said it intends to transfer the majority of Fougera’s products to other manufacturing locations, allowing for a phased approach to the closure. "This will ensure continued supply to our customers and patients who rely on these medicines. These changes will impact the employment of Sandoz employees at Fougera over the course of these product transfers, up until the expected final closure.”

The Fougera facilities are part of the Sandoz internal manufacturing network and specialize in the production and packaging of dermatology products including creams, ointments, gels, solutions and lotions in tubes, bottles, jars and foil packs. These products are primarily distributed in the U.S. market.

“As the world’s leading generics and biosimilars company, we remain committed to delivering for our patients and our customers by supplying products through our worldwide manufacturing network with the highest standards of quality, compliance and service,” the company said.

[Read more: Novartis to separate Sandoz generics drug unit into standalone company]