Zentiva and Lupin have entered a license and supply agreement to commercialise Lupin’s biosimilar, Certolizumab Pegol, across multiple global markets.
Certolizumab Pegol is a Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor used to treat various forms of arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.
The partnership aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective biosimilars to patients worldwide.
Under the collaboration, Lupin will receive an initial payment of $10m upon the agreement’s execution and could earn up to $50m in development and regulatory milestone payments.
The Indian drugmaker will handle the development, manufacturing, and supply of Certolizumab Pegol in the agreed territories.
Zentiva will manage commercialisation activities outside the US and Canada, focusing on Europe and CIS markets.
It will leverage its extensive European commercial infrastructure and regulatory expertise, while Lupin will oversee commercialisation in the US, Canada, and other regions.
Both companies will invest in developing the biosimilar and share the profits from its sales.
Zentiva CEO Steffen Saltofte said: “Ensuring accessibility to high-quality and affordable healthcare is at Zentiva’s core. Our collaboration agreement with Lupin signifies another step forward in our biosimilars and growth strategies.
“Lupin’s advanced development and manufacturing capabilities coupled with our significant market knowledge and presence means we can deliver high-quality biosimilar solutions for our customers and their patients, aligning with our purpose of providing health and wellbeing for all generations.”
Zentiva focuses on delivering high-quality, affordable medicines to over 100 million people in more than 30 countries across Europe and beyond.
The company operates four manufacturing sites and collaborates with external partners to ensure supply security, employing over 5,000 professionals.
Based in Mumbai, India, Lupin specialises in branded and generic formulations, complex generics, biotechnology products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The company has a strong presence in India and the US, with 15 manufacturing sites, seven research centres, and a workforce of over 23,000 professionals.
Lupin corporate development president Fabrice Egros said: “Our global development and commercialisation partnership with Zentiva, with its pan-European focus, enables Lupin to commercialise this unique biosimilar in its core markets and through Zentiva in Europe.
“This partnership underscores our dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals living with chronic conditions and ensuring accessibility and affordability of transformative therapies worldwide.”
