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Viatris
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Viatris Inc. is an American global pharmaceutical and healthcare corporation headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The corporation was formed through the merger of Mylan and Upjohn, a legacy division of Pfizer, on November 16, 2020.[2]
Key Information
The name of the corporation comes from the Latin words via, meaning path, and tris, which means three, referring to the path to three main objectives the corporation set: expanding access to medicines, meeting patient needs through innovation, and earning the trust of the healthcare community.[3][4]
Viatris ranked 254th on the 2021 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations based on its 2020 total revenue.[5]
History
[edit]On November 16, 2020, Upjohn merged with Mylan in a Reverse Morris Trust transaction and changed its name to Viatris.[1][2] At that time, Michael Goettler became chief executive officer.[6][3]
Following the combination, the company began trading on the NASDAQ using the ticker symbol VTRS.[2]
In December 2020, the company announced a cost-reducing restructuring plan that would impact up to 20% of its global workforce, or 9,000 jobs at its facilities around the world.[7][8][9]
In 2021, Viatris was ranked 5th by Fortune on its annual "Change the World" list for having "transformed the treatment of HIV around the world in the [previous] five years through the first low-cost antiretroviral drug for first-line treatment of HIV and a children's version in the form of fruit-flavored tablets that dissolve in liquid.[10]
In February 2022, Viatris announced an agreement where it will contribute to Biocon Biologics its biosimilars portfolio and related commercial and operational capabilities in exchange for up to $3.335 billion, including a stake of at least 12.9% in Biocon Biologics.[11] The transaction was completed in November 2022.[12] In November 2022, the business agreed to acquire Oyster Point Pharma and Famy Life Sciences for an aggregate of $700–750 million to create an ophthalmology division.[13][14] The acquisitions closed in January 2023.[15][16]
In 2022 and 2024, Viatris was recognized by Forbes as one of the world's best employers[17] and by Newsweek as one of America's most responsible companies.[18][19]
On April 1, 2023, Scott A. Smith became Viatris' CEO, succeeding Michael Goettler. Smith previously served on the company's board since 2022. [20]
In April 2023, Viatris was recognized by LinkedIn as one of the 25 best companies to work for in India,[21] and one of the 25 best companies offering career development in Ireland.[22]
In May 2023, USA Today included Viatris in its list of 400 US companies that have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions intensity from 2019 to 2021. [23]
In June 2023, Viatris was named to the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world's largest companies.[24]
In October 2023, Viatris reached agreements to divest from almost all of its OTC business, its women’s healthcare business, and its India-based active pharmaceutical ingredients business for a total of about $3.6 billion.[25]
In late December 2024, Viatris disclosed that the U.S. FDA had issued a warning letter and an import alert concerning the company's drug-making facility in Indore, India. The import alert affects 11 actively distributed products, which will no longer be accepted into the U.S. until the warning letter is lifted, while four products were conditionally exempted due to shortages. The violations cited by the FDA included subpar quality control and improper management of manufacturing defect. In response, the company announced that it has taken corrective and preventative actions.[26][27][28]
Predecessors
[edit]The following is an illustration of the company's major mergers and acquisitions and historical predecessors:
- Viatris
- Merger of Mylan and Upjohn
- Mylan (Founded 1961, merged with Upjohn, 2020)
- Somerset Pharmaceuticals (Acq 1989)
- Dow B. Hickam (Acq 1991)
- Bertek Inc (Acq 1993)
- UDL Laboratories (Acq 1996)
- Penederm Inc (Acq 1998)
- Matrix Laboratories (Acq 2007)
- Merck KGaA (Generics div.) (Acq 2007)
- Bioniche Pharma Holdings (Acq 2010)
- Pfizer Respiratory Delivery Platform (Acq 2011)
- Agila Specialties (Acq 2013)
- Abbott Laboratories (Generics div.) (Acq 2014)
- Famy Care (Acq 2014)
- Meda (Acq 2016)
- Renaissance Acquisition Holdings (Dermatology div.) (Acq 2016)
- Upjohn (Divested from Pfizer & merged with Mylan, 2020)
- Mylan (Founded 1961, merged with Upjohn, 2020)
- Famy Life Sciences (Acq 2023)
- Oyster Point Pharma (Acq 2023)
- Merger of Mylan and Upjohn
Products
[edit]
The company produces and sells a variety of medicines, with 1,400 approved therapeutic molecules in its portfolio.[29] It owns brands (like Viagra, Xanax, Lipitor),[6][30] generics, including branded and complex generics, biosimilars,[31][32] and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Viatris products cover therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, infectious disease, oncology, immunology, CNS and anesthesia, women's healthcare, diabetes and metabolism, gastroenterology, respiratory and allergy, and dermatology.[32][33]
The following products have been newly launched or received regulatory approvals since Viatris was established include:
- Dolutegravir: In December 2020, received FDA approval to treat children with HIV/AIDS in low to middle income countries. The formulation is strawberry-flavored to make it easier to give to children and was made available at a 75% discount compared to previous treatments.[34][35]
- Breyna (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate inhalation aerosol): In March 2022, received approval from the US FDA in March 2022 as the first generic version of Symbicort for the treatment of asthma and COPD.[36][37]
- GA Depot (long-acting version of glatiramer acetate): In August 2023, received New Drug Application acceptance from the US FDA as a once-monthly injection for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.[38][39]
- Abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine: In September 2023, received tentative US FDA approval for a New Drug Application through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in pediatric patients.[40][41]
- Ryzumvi (phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75%): In September 2023, received FDA approval for the treatment of mydriasis caused by adrenergic agonist or parasympatholytic agents or a combination of those drugs. It was previously known as Nyxol.[42]
Partnerships
[edit]Following the formation of Viatris, the company became a member of the Biosimilars Forum, a trade organization that advocates for greater biosimilar usage.[31]
Viatris partnered with the American College of Cardiology, the NCD Alliance, and the World Heart Federation to create the NCD Academy, a platform to help fight non-communicable diseases around the world.[43][44]
In December 2020, the company worked with Sesame Workshop to create resources to help children and their caregivers manage their social and emotional needs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.[45][46]
In April 2021, the company partnered with Atomo Diagnostics and Unitaid to expand access to HIV self-testing to 135 countries and lower the price of the tests by around 50%.[47][48]
In February 2024, Viatris entered into an agreement with Idorsia to collaborate on global research and development and the commercialization rights to Phase 3 pharmaceuticals selatogrel, a cardiac medication, and cenerimod, a novel immunology medication used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus. The agreement includes the potential to add more assets in the future.[49][50][51]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Viatris Inc. 2024 Form 10-K Annual Report". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. February 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c Gough, Paul J. (November 16, 2020). "After nearly 60 years, Mylan makes way for Viatris". American City Business Journals.
- ^ a b "Viatris picked as new name for a merged Mylan/Upjohn". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. November 12, 2019.
- ^ Blankenship, Kyle (November 12, 2019). "Pfizer's Upjohn and Mylan will become Viatris. Wait, haven't we heard that name before?". FiercePharma.
- ^ "Fortune: Viatris Company Profile, News, Rankings". Fortune.com. Fortune. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
- ^ a b Mamula, Kris B. (July 29, 2019). "Mylan merger with Pfizer's Upjohn unit to form new company with $20 billion in revenues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ^ "Viatris Inc. Announces Additional Details of Previously Disclosed Global Restructuring Initiative" (Press release). PR Newswire. December 11, 2020.
- ^ Gough, Paul J. (December 11, 2020). "Viatris to lay off up to 20% of global workforce, with local impacts expected to occur". American City Business Journals.
- ^ Kansteiner, Fraiser (December 11, 2020). "Pfizer-Mylan combo Viatris to slash up to 9,000 jobs, shutter manufacturing plants in global cost-cutting drive". FiercePharma.
- ^ "Viatris: 2021 Change the World". Fortune. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
- ^ Linnane, Clara (February 28, 2022). "Viatris to contribute its biosimilars portfolio to Biocon Biologics for up to $3.335 billion, shares jump 4% premarket". MarketWatch. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ Priyan, Vishnu (November 30, 2022). "Biocon Biologics acquires biosimilars business of Viatris for $3bn". Pharmaceutical Technology.
- ^ "Pittsburgh pharmaceutical company making its move into ophthalmology field". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. November 7, 2022.
- ^ Becker, Zoey (November 7, 2022). "Viatris jumps into ophthalmology arena with pair of buyouts worth up to $750M". Fierce Pharma.
- ^ Sharma, Ruchika (January 4, 2023). "Viatris Closes Acquisitions Of Famy Life Sciences, Oyster Point Pharma To Establish Eye Care Division". Medical Dialogues.
- ^ Gough, Paul J. (January 3, 2023). "Viatris completes 2 key acquisitions in vision care". Pittsburgh Business Times.
- ^ Brier, Elisabeth (October 11, 2022). "World's Best Employers 2022". Forbes.
- ^ Cooper, Nancy (2022). "America's Most Responsible Companies 2022". Newsweek.
- ^ Rabkin Peachman, Rachel (October 10, 2023). "World's Best Employers". Forbes.
- ^ Doughty, Nate (December 30, 2022). "Viatris appoints 2 new directors to its board". Pittsburgh Business Times.
- ^ Tong, Goh Chiew (April 26, 2023). "Here are the top 25 companies to work for in India, according to LinkedIn — and most of them are not in tech". CNBC.com.
- ^ O'Brien, Robert (April 20, 2023). "LinkedIn ranks Ireland's best employers for career development". Business Plus.
- ^ Weise, Elizabeth (May 24, 2023). "Climate change calls for cuts in carbon emissions. These US companies are leading the way". USA Today.
- ^ Murphy, Andrea; Tucker, Hank (June 8, 2023). "The Global 2000". Forbes.
- ^ "Drugmaker Viatris to divest some businesses for $3.6 bln". Reuters. October 2, 2023.
- ^ "US FDA restricts imports of some Viatris drugs made at India facility". Reuters. December 23, 2024.
- ^ Kansteiner, Fraiser (January 6, 2025). "FDA warning letter reveals quality control, data integrity issues at Viatris plant in India". Fierce Pharma.
- ^ Kumar, N. Ravi (December 24, 2024). "Viatris' Indore plant under U.S. FDA scanner, imports of certain products barred". The Hindu.
- ^ Levy, Sandra (November 16, 2020). "Viatris launches following combination of Mylan, Upjohn". Drug Store News. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ Liu, Angus (April 23, 2021). "Merger of Mylan and Pfizer's Upjohn wins EU nod with product sell-off agreement". FiercePharma. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ a b Hagen, Tony (November 30, 2020). "Newly Created Viatris Joins the Biosimilars Forum". Centerforbiosimilars.com. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ a b "Viatris Inc. Joins Biosimilars Forum". Biosimilardevelopment.com. November 30, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ Burton, Patrick (January 27, 2021). "Viatris: Cost-Cutting Needed at New Generics Behemoth". Pharmaboardroom.com. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ Giuliani-Hoffman, Francesca (December 4, 2020). "HIV medications for children can be bitter to swallow. A strawberry-flavored drug might help". CNN. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
- ^ "HIV generic drug for babies to be rolled out in Africa in 2021 - aid agencies". Reuters. December 1, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
- ^ Genovese, Meghan (March 15, 2022). "FDA Grants Viatris Approval for Generic of Astra's Symbicort". Bloomberg Law.
- ^ Hronec, Jordyn (March 16, 2022). "Viatris receives FDA approval for generic asthma drug". Pittsburgh Business Times.
- ^ Shapiro, Lindsey (August 8, 2023). "FDA decision on GA Depot for relapsing MS expected March 2024". Multiple Sclerosis News Today.
- ^ "FDA Accepts New Drug Application for GA Depot to Treat Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis". Practical Neurology. August 9, 2023.
- ^ "FDA Provides Tentative Approval for HIV Therapy for Children". Contagion Live. September 5, 2023.
- ^ Myshko, Denise (September 12, 2023). "Generic Triumeq PD, a First-line HIV Medication For Children, Gets Tentative OK". Managed Healthcare.
- ^ Jackson Filkins, Kassi; Kaiser Maharjan, Emily (September 27, 2023). "FDA approves Ryzumvi (phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75%) for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis". Optometry Times.
- ^ "Fighting the Quiet Crisis of Noncommunicable Diseases". Scientific American Custom Media. January 27, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ "NCD Academy". NCDalliance.org. March 20, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ Kiner, Deb (December 7, 2020). "Sesame Workshop helps kids manage 'big feelings like stress and fear' with new resources". The Patriot-News. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ "Sesame Workshop launches children's animations about COVID-19 education, resources for families". KGO-TV. December 7, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ "Access to HIV self-tests significantly expanded and costs halved thanks to Unitaid agreement". Unitaid.org. April 28, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ "HIV self-test prices to be slashed in half in 135 countries". PANCAP.org. April 29, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ Levy, Sandra (March 7, 2024). "Viatris, Idorsia enter into global R&D collaboration". Drugstorenews.com.
- ^ Bhattacharya, Nabaparna (February 28, 2024). "Viatris And Idorsia Forge Global Partnership For Breakthrough Heart Attack Treatments". Benzinga.
- ^ "Viatris and Idorsia Enter R&D Collaboration". Contractpharma.com. February 28, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Business data for Viatris Inc.:
Viatris
View on GrokipediaViatris Inc. is an American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, formed on November 16, 2020, through the merger of Mylan N.V. and Upjohn, a legacy division of Pfizer.[1][2]
The company operates as a global healthcare entity with centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai, and Hyderabad, serving over 165 markets and focusing on developing and delivering generic drugs, biosimilars, branded pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter products to address unmet medical needs in areas such as immunology, infectious diseases, and women's health.[3][4]
In 2024, Viatris reported total revenues of approximately $14.7 billion and employed around 32,000 people worldwide, emphasizing expanded access to medicines in emerging markets while navigating competitive pressures in the generics sector.[5][6]
Notable aspects include its broad portfolio of over 1,400 approved molecules and ongoing efforts to launch complex generics and biosimilars, though it has encountered challenges such as regulatory hurdles and pricing dynamics inherited from predecessor entities.[3]
Company Overview
Formation and Legal Structure
Viatris Inc. was established through the merger of Mylan N.V., a global pharmaceutical company, and Upjohn Inc., the off-patent medicines division of Pfizer Inc.[7] The transaction was announced on July 29, 2019, and structured as an all-stock Reverse Morris Trust, under which Pfizer spun off Upjohn to its stockholders, who then exchanged their shares for Mylan shares, effectively merging the entities while providing tax efficiency.[8] This structure allowed Pfizer to divest its legacy portfolio without incurring significant tax liabilities, with the combined company adopting the name Viatris to reflect its focus on global access to medicines.[9] The merger received final regulatory approval on October 30, 2020, and closed on November 16, 2020, marking the official launch of Viatris as an independent entity.[10] Post-closing, Mylan's shareholders owned approximately 49% of Viatris, while Pfizer's Upjohn spin-off shareholders held the remaining 51%, preserving the tax-deferred nature of the deal.[8] The formation integrated Mylan's generics expertise with Upjohn's branded and biosimilar portfolio, creating a company with over 40 manufacturing sites and presence in more than 165 markets.[10] Viatris Inc. is incorporated in the State of Delaware as a for-profit corporation, with its principal executive offices located at 1000 Mylan Boulevard, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317.[11][12] As a publicly traded entity listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker "VTRS," it operates under a standard corporate governance framework, including a board of directors and seven standing committees such as audit, compensation, and governance, each governed by written charters to oversee strategy, risk, and compliance.[13] This structure emphasizes independent director oversight, with the board retaining authority to engage external advisors for fiduciary duties.[14]Leadership and Headquarters
Viatris Inc. is headquartered at 1000 Mylan Boulevard in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, United States, a location inherited from its predecessor Mylan N.V. following the 2020 merger with Upjohn.[12] The company maintains global centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Shanghai, China; and Hyderabad, India, supporting operations across more than 165 markets.[3] Scott A. Smith serves as chief executive officer, a position he has held since April 1, 2023, bringing over 35 years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.[15] Doretta Mistras is chief financial officer, overseeing financial strategy and operations.[15] Other key executives include Andrew Enrietti, appointed chief administrative and transformation officer on August 19, 2025; Paul Campbell, executive vice president and chief legal officer; Corinne Le Goff, executive vice president and president of developed markets; Philippe Martin, executive vice president and president of greater China; Peter McCormick, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer; Burt Park, executive vice president and president of Japan and Asia Pacific; and Lara Ramsburg, executive vice president, global product strategy and supply chain.[15][16] The board of directors, which provides strategic oversight, includes recent appointees such as Frank D'Amelio and Michael Severino, M.D., added on May 5, 2025, and David Simmons, appointed on August 5, 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to bolster expertise in pharmaceuticals, finance, and capital markets.[17][18]Core Mission and Strategic Priorities
Viatris's core mission is to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life by providing access at scale to high-quality, trusted medicines, irrespective of geography, gender, or economic status.[3] This mission, articulated upon the company's formation in November 2020, emphasizes five key pillars: access, leadership in sustainable operations and innovative solutions for unmet needs, partnerships to amplify global health impact, innovation through science and technology to enhance patient outcomes, and unwavering commitment to manufacturing and product quality standards.[10] The approach prioritizes broad accessibility over premium pricing models typical in innovator pharmaceuticals, leveraging a portfolio of generics, biosimilars, and select branded products to serve diverse markets, particularly in emerging economies where over 60% of its revenue originates.[19] Strategic priorities for Viatris, as outlined in recent financial guidance and executive communications, center on driving commercial execution, advancing the research and development pipeline, and pursuing accretive in-market business development opportunities to enhance long-term value creation.[20] In 2025, these efforts include optimizing the base business for growth—evidenced by 2% operational revenue increase excluding divestitures in 2024—and leveraging financial flexibility for targeted investments, such as the completion of non-core asset divestitures like the over-the-counter (OTC) business in July 2024 to streamline focus on high-margin segments.[21] [22] The company positions its strategy around three pillars: a diversified and expanding core portfolio, robust financial health enabling disciplined capital allocation, and a pipeline of opportunities in biosimilars and complex generics, with Phase 2 planning extending through 2028 emphasizing operational efficiency and sustainable access initiatives aligned with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.[23] [24] This framework reflects a post-merger evolution from predecessor entities' focuses—Mylan's generics scale and Upjohn's legacy branded products—toward integrated global operations that prioritize affordability and reliability over aggressive innovation in novel therapies, as evidenced by selective R&D investments yielding pipeline advancements like biosimilar approvals rather than broad-spectrum new drug discovery.[25] Such priorities have supported consistent execution, with CEO Scott A. Smith noting in Q1 2025 results a "good start" tied to these focuses amid market challenges in select regions.[20]Historical Background
Predecessor Entities: Mylan and Upjohn
Mylan Pharmaceuticals was established in 1961 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, by Milan "Mike" Puskar and Donald "Don" Panoz, two former U.S. Army colleagues, initially as a distributor of generic drugs to improve access in underserved areas.[26][27] By 1963, operations relocated to Princeton, West Virginia, where the company began manufacturing its first products, including vitamins in 1965.[28] Incorporated as Mylan Laboratories Inc. in Pennsylvania in 1970, it shifted emphasis toward generic pharmaceuticals, aiming by 1976 to become a leader in producing drugs under their chemical names rather than branded equivalents.[29][30] Mylan's expansion included significant R&D investments, such as the 1984 launch of Maxzide, an antihypertensive medication developed after five years of clinical trials and a $5 million outlay, marking a milestone in its generic portfolio.[31] The company grew into a global generics powerhouse, operating in over 165 countries and pioneering products like the first generic version of EpiPen.[32] By the late 2010s, Mylan focused on specialty and branded generics, biosimilars, and affordable medicines, positioning it for strategic combinations amid industry consolidation.[1] The Upjohn Company originated in 1886 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, founded by physician William E. Upjohn and his brother Henry as the Upjohn Pill and Granule Company, innovating friable pill manufacturing to enhance drug dissolution and efficacy.[33][34] It expanded into steroids and other therapeutics, becoming a major player in pharmaceuticals with global reach by the mid-20th century.[35] In 1995, Upjohn merged with Sweden's Pharmacia AB to form Pharmacia & Upjohn; this entity was acquired by Pfizer in 2003, integrating Upjohn's legacy into Pfizer's operations.[34] Within Pfizer, the Upjohn division managed off-patent branded and generic medicines, emphasizing established products in areas like inflammation, cardiovascular health, and women's health.[7] By 2019, Pfizer announced the spin-off of Upjohn to merge with Mylan, creating Viatris as a standalone entity focused on global access to medicines, with the deal valuing the combination at approximately $35 billion and closing in November 2020.[9][1] Pfizer retained 57% ownership post-merger, reflecting Upjohn's scale in mature markets like China and established portfolios.[7]The 2020 Merger Process
The merger between Mylan N.V. and Pfizer Inc.'s Upjohn Business, announced on July 29, 2019, advanced through critical stages in 2020 to form Viatris Inc. The transaction employed a Reverse Morris Trust structure, enabling a tax-free spin-off of Upjohn to Pfizer shareholders, followed by Upjohn's merger with Mylan, resulting in Pfizer shareholders owning approximately 57% of the combined entity and Mylan shareholders owning 43%.[7][8] On February 27, 2020, Mylan and Pfizer finalized appointments to the Viatris board of directors, including executives from both companies, signaling progress toward integration while the deal remained on track for a mid-2020 close pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.[36] Mylan shareholders overwhelmingly approved the combination on June 30, 2020, satisfying a key condition for consummation.[37] Regulatory scrutiny focused on antitrust concerns in overlapping generic and off-patent drug markets. The European Commission granted approval on September 15, 2020, conditional on divestitures of specified assets, with Mylan entering agreements for buyers acceptable to the Commission.[38] The U.S. Federal Trade Commission cleared the merger on October 30, 2020, requiring divestitures of products in 39 generic drug markets to preserve competition, along with prior approval for future acquisitions in those areas.[39] Additional clearances included from Australia's ACCC on September 10, 2020, subject to undertakings.[40] Pfizer set November 13, 2020, as the record date for the Upjohn spin-off distribution to its shareholders. The transaction closed on November 16, 2020, with Viatris commencing operations as the parent entity of the combined businesses, headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and listed on Nasdaq under the ticker VTRS.[8][41] The merger was projected to yield annual cost synergies of approximately $1 billion by 2023 through operational efficiencies and portfolio optimization.[7]Post-Merger Evolution and Key Milestones
Following the merger's completion on November 16, 2020, Viatris prioritized operational integration and cost efficiencies, launching a global restructuring program projected to deliver approximately $1 billion in annual run-rate synergies by streamlining manufacturing, supply chain, and administrative functions across its combined footprint.[42] This initial phase emphasized realizing value from the Mylan-Upjohn union while addressing overlapping assets and regulatory footprints in over 160 countries. By the end of 2021, the company reported progress toward these targets, supported by strong financial performance that met or exceeded guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA.[43] In February 2022, Viatris concluded a comprehensive strategic review, shifting focus to portfolio reshaping by divesting non-core assets and concentrating resources on high-growth segments such as biosimilars, ophthalmology, and complex generics.[43] A key outcome was the formation of a global biosimilars joint venture with Biocon Biologics, combining portfolios to enhance commercialization and development capabilities.[43] This evolution continued through targeted acquisitions and divestitures, enabling the company to reduce complexity from legacy portfolios inherited from predecessors, including low-margin over-the-counter products and select manufacturing sites, while bolstering differentiated offerings.[44] By mid-2024, these efforts culminated in the completion of all previously announced divestitures, marking a streamlined structure oriented toward sustainable access and innovation in underserved therapeutic areas.[44] Key milestones in this period include:- November 7, 2022: Announcement of acquisitions to establish a leading ophthalmology franchise, including Oyster Point Pharma for $500 million and Xiidra from Novartis for up to $1.75 billion; transactions closed in January 2023, adding dry eye disease treatments to the portfolio.[45]
- 2023–2024: Execution of multiple divestitures, such as rights to two women's healthcare products and select manufacturing facilities, alongside the over-the-counter business sale finalized on July 2, 2024, to eliminate non-strategic exposures and improve focus.[25][44]
- October 15, 2025: Completion of the acquisition of Aculys Pharma, granting exclusive rights to pitolisant (for narcolepsy) in Japan and Spydia (for allergic rhinitis) in Japan and certain other markets, extending geographic reach in neurology and consumer health-adjacent segments.[46]
Business Operations
Product Categories and Portfolio
Viatris's product portfolio encompasses branded medicines, generic drugs, and over-the-counter (OTC) products, comprising more than 1,400 approved molecules marketed in over 165 countries.[47] The company's offerings focus on increasing access to treatments for noncommunicable and infectious diseases across more than 10 major therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular health, central nervous system disorders, oncology, immunology, women's healthcare, diabetes, neurology, pain management, and respiratory conditions.[48] This diversified approach stems from the 2020 merger of Mylan and Pfizer's Upjohn business, which combined established brands with extensive generic capabilities.[49] Branded products include approximately 20 iconic brands and several global key brands, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin, a statin for cholesterol management and cardiovascular risk reduction), Lyrica (pregabalin, used for neuropathic pain and epilepsy), Norvasc (amlodipine, an antihypertensive), Celebrex (celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory for arthritis), Revatio (sildenafil, for pulmonary arterial hypertension), Dilantin (phenytoin, an anticonvulsant), Caduet (amlodipine/atorvastatin combination), Inspra (eplerenone, for heart failure), and Nitrostat (nitroglycerin, for angina).[50] These brands generated $9.2 billion in sales in 2024, though the category experienced a 6% decline year-over-year due to patent expirations and market competition.[51] Viatris also maintains an antiretroviral franchise for HIV treatment within its infectious disease portfolio.[51] In the generics segment, Viatris ranks as one of the world's largest manufacturers, offering over 7,500 products including standard generics, complex generics (such as injectables and topicals), and branded generics to address affordability and access barriers.[52] This category contributed sales amid a 2% decline in 2024, driven by efforts in complex sterile products, oral solids, and transdermals, with a focus on therapeutic areas like ophthalmology, dermatology, and gastroenterology for future growth.[51] [53] Viatris divested its biosimilars business in November 2022, selling the portfolio—including assets like Fulphila (pegfilgrastim) and Ogivri (trastuzumab)—to Biocon Biologics for up to $3.335 billion in a cash-and-stock transaction, allowing Viatris to streamline operations toward generics and brands.[47] [54] OTC products complement the portfolio by providing accessible consumer health options, though specific revenue breakdowns emphasize the dominance of prescription brands and generics.[55] The overall portfolio supports global health initiatives, with generics and similar products saving U.S. healthcare systems $445 billion in 2023 alone through competition.[56]Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Viatris operates approximately 40 manufacturing sites worldwide, producing oral solid doses, injectables, complex dosage forms, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).[57] These facilities are distributed across geographically diverse locations to support reliable supply to over 165 markets and territories.[58] In Europe alone, the company maintains 11 manufacturing plants across six countries, complemented by six research and development facilities.[59] The company's supply chain is designed for flexibility and resilience, incorporating a broad network of internal manufacturing alongside strategic partnerships for production.[60] Viatris employs a 24-month planning horizon, rigorous supplier monitoring, and risk management processes to mitigate disruptions.[61] Additional measures include serialization, IT systems for tracking, and protocols to prevent product diversion, ensuring compliance and availability.[62] Global centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States), Shanghai (China), and Hyderabad (India) oversee operations, with manufacturing presence spanning multiple continents.[63] This diversified approach emphasizes strong supplier relationships and investments in supply chain resilience to secure access to essential medicines.[64] In 2023, these efforts supported production across five continents, aligning with Viatris's focus on addressing unmet needs in diverse markets.[57]Research, Development, and Pipeline
Viatris maintains 10 research and development (R&D) centers worldwide, encompassing technology-focused sites and global hubs dedicated to advancing complex generics, biosimilars, and other high-barrier-to-entry products.[19] The company's R&D efforts emphasize moving up the value chain through pipeline investments in areas such as biosimilars and insulin analogs, respiratory therapies, complex sterile injectables, topicals and transdermals, complex oral solids, and over-the-counter formulations.[65] For the twelve months ending June 30, 2025, Viatris reported R&D expenses of $846 million, reflecting a 3.41% year-over-year increase amid strategic expansions including an amended global collaboration with Idorsia that added approximately $100 million in incremental R&D commitments.[66][67] In early 2025, Viatris achieved three positive Phase 3 data readouts, including results for a novel meloxicam formulation targeting acute pain management.[68] Subsequent milestones included positive top-line results from the Phase 3 LYNX-2 trial of MR-142 for keratorefractive patients in June 2025, alongside an ongoing Phase 3 evaluation of MR-139 for blepharitis reported in July 2025.[69] The company anticipates six Phase 3 trial readouts throughout 2025, focusing on late-stage assets in ophthalmology, pain, and other therapeutic categories to bolster its portfolio of complex injectables and generics.[70] These efforts align with Viatris's broader strategy of developing difficult-to-manufacture products, as evidenced by recent approvals like the first generic iron sucrose injection in the U.S. in August 2025 from its robust injectable pipeline.[71]Financial Profile
Revenue Sources and Trends
Viatris derives its revenue principally from the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of generic, branded, and biosimilar pharmaceutical products, with sales categorized into Brands (legacy differentiated products such as Lipitor, Norvasc, Lyrica, and Viagra) and Generics (including complex generics, injectables, and biosimilars).[5] Revenue is reported across four geographic segments: Developed Markets (primarily U.S. and Europe, encompassing mature markets with focus on generics and select brands), Greater China (via joint ventures emphasizing branded products like Lipitor), JANZ (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, featuring regulated generics and brands), and Emerging Markets (diverse generics portfolio in regions like Latin America and Asia-Pacific).[72] New product launches, including biosimilars and complex generics, represent a growing subset, contributing $582 million in 2024 through items like iron sucrose and octreotide.[5] In 2024, total revenues reached $14.7 billion, reflecting a 5% reported decline from $15.4 billion in 2023, driven by generic erosion and divestitures such as non-core assets.[5] Segment net sales broke down as follows:| Segment | 2024 Net Sales ($M) | Change from 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Developed Markets | 8,929 | -3% |
| Greater China | 2,167 | 0% |
| JANZ | 1,346 | -5% |
| Emerging Markets | 2,251 | -12% |
| Total | 14,693 | -5% |
Profitability and Cost Management
Following the November 2020 merger, Viatris implemented a multi-phase cost management strategy aimed at realizing at least $1 billion in annual run-rate synergies, primarily through procurement optimization, supply chain efficiencies, manufacturing footprint rationalization, and administrative overhead reductions. These efforts, outlined in the company's integration plan, included one-time cash costs estimated at $1.5 billion in 2021 to achieve the targets, with progress reported as on track by late 2022 for full realization by the end of 2023.[74] The synergies formed Phase 1 of Viatris's broader operational plan, involving global restructuring such as workforce reductions and facility consolidations, which reduced the overall cost base and supported debt repayment of $3.7 billion in 2024 alone. In that year, restructuring expenses totaled $211.1 million, alongside an enterprise-wide review to identify further savings opportunities, emphasizing streamlined global infrastructure amid competitive pressures in generics and biosimilars.[5] These measures contributed to adjusted profitability, with fiscal year 2024 adjusted EBITDA reaching $4.7 billion on $14.7 billion in revenue, yielding an approximate 32% margin, while adjusted gross margin improved to 57.9%. U.S. GAAP results reflected a net loss of $634 million, attributable to non-cash charges including amortization of merger-related intangible assets and inventory fair-value step-ups in cost of sales, which elevated reported cost of sales to $9.1 billion before adjustments.[5]| Period | Revenue ($B) | Adjusted EBITDA ($B) | Adjusted Gross Margin (%) | GAAP Net Earnings/Loss ($M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2024 | 14.7 | 4.7 | 57.9 | (634) |
| Q2 2025 | 3.58 | 1.08 | 56.6 | (4.6) |
Stock Performance and Investor Relations
Viatris Inc. common stock (VTRS) trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.[76] Following the November 16, 2020, merger completion, shares opened in the range of approximately $12–$14, adjusted for the transaction, but have since declined amid generics pricing pressures, patent expirations, and integration expenses.[77] As of October 20, 2025, the stock closed at $10.31, with a market capitalization of about $12.14 billion and a 52-week trading range of $6.85 to $13.55.[78][79][76] Post-merger performance has been volatile and predominantly negative in early years, with annual total returns of -25.32% in 2021 and -18.39% in 2022, reflecting revenue declines and competitive erosion in legacy portfolios.[80] A rebound occurred in 2024 with +19.67% returns, driven by cost controls and select biosimilar launches, though 2025 year-to-date returns fell -18.73% amid broader market headwinds and operational challenges.[81]| Year | Total Return (%) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | -25.32 |
| 2022 | -18.39 |
| 2024 | +19.67 |
| 2025 (YTD) | -18.73 |
