Cipla Partners With China's Qilu to License, Commercialize Keytruda Biosimilar QL2107 in US
Mumbai: Cipla's wholly owned US subsidiary Invagen Pharmaceuticals Inc has entered into a strategic partnership with Qilu Pharmaceutical Co Ltd for the exclusive licensing and supply of QL2107, a biosimilar to Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in the United States.
Under the agreement, Qilu will be responsible for the development, regulatory registration and supply of QL2107, while Cipla USA Inc will handle commercialization of the product in the US, leveraging its commercial presence in the market.
The collaboration is aimed at expanding access to biologic cancer therapies and strengthening Cipla’s biosimilar and oncology portfolio.
Commenting on the partnership, Achin Gupta, Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer, Cipla, said, “This partnership reflects Cipla’s confidence in the long-term potential of biosimilars and supports our strategy to build a strong oncology-focused portfolio. By combining Qilu’s development strengths with Cipla’s commercial presence and patient-centric legacy, we aim to expand access to high-quality biologics for patients across our focus markets.”
Marc Falkin, Chief Executive Officer, Cipla North America, said, “This collaboration is aligned with our strategy to expand our biosimilar portfolio in the coming fiscal years, and we are excited to add QL2107 with Qilu who have been great partners. With our established commercial capabilities, we are well-positioned to successfully launch QL2107, subject to regulatory approval, and help ensure it reaches patients in need while lowering the cost of treatment.”
Hanchang Zhang, General Manager of Qilu Pharmaceutical, said, “We are pleased to establish this partnership with Cipla for QL2107. Qilu boasts a robust and growing biosimilar product pipeline. By combining our R&D and manufacturing strengths with Cipla’s U.S. commercial expertise, we aim to bring a high-quality, affordable pembrolizumab biosimilar to U.S. patients.”
Established in 1935, Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company focused on complex generics and expanding its portfolio across India, South Africa, North America and other regulated and emerging markets.
The company has strengths across respiratory, antiretroviral, urology, cardiology, anti-infective and central nervous system segments. Cipla operates 48 manufacturing sites globally and produces more than 50 dosage forms and over 1,500 products for more than 70 markets.
The company is ranked among the leading pharmaceutical companies in India, South Africa and the US, according to IQVIA data cited by Cipla.
The company’s portfolio includes medicines across several therapeutic areas, with oncology and biosimilars forming part of its strategy to expand in high-value pharmaceutical segments.
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