Cipla Partners with Qilu for Keytruda Biosimilar in US
Invagen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cipla Limited, has entered into a strategic partnership with Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to exclusively license and supply QL2107, a biosimilar to Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), in the United States.
Under the agreement, Qilu Pharmaceutical will be responsible for the development, regulatory registration, and supply of QL2107. Cipla USA Inc. will oversee the commercialization of the biosimilar in the US, leveraging Cipla’s established commercial capabilities and market presence.
The partnership comes as both companies seek to expand access to advanced biologic therapies and address the growing global burden of cancer. Pembrolizumab is an important oncology therapy, and the introduction of a biosimilar could potentially provide patients with a more affordable treatment option, subject to regulatory approval.
Achin Gupta, Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer of Cipla says, “The partnership demonstrates the company’s confidence in the long-term potential of biosimilars and supports its strategy of developing a strong oncology-focused portfolio. He added that combining Qilu’s development capabilities with Cipla’s commercial presence and patient-centric approach could help expand access to high-quality biologic therapies.”
Also Read: China-US G20 Spat Centered on Dispute Over One Key Word
Marc Falkin, Chief Executive Officer of Cipla North America says, “The collaboration aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its biosimilar portfolio in the coming fiscal years. He said Cipla’s established commercial capabilities position it to launch QL2107 successfully, subject to regulatory approval, while helping reduce treatment costs for patients.”
Also Read: Apple Faces £2 Billion UK Lawsuit Over App Tracking
Hanchang Zhang, General Manager of Qilu Pharmaceutical says, “The company is pleased to partner with Cipla on QL2107. He highlighted Qilu’s growing biosimilar pipeline and said the collaboration would combine its research, development, and manufacturing strengths with Cipla’s US commercial expertise.”
Also Read: US Imposes New Cuba Sanctions on Oil Firm and Castro's Grandson
The partnership strengthens Cipla’s presence in the US biosimilars market while adding a potential oncology asset to its portfolio.