Dr. Reddy’s, Shanghai Henlius Biotech ink $131.6 million cancer drug deal  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories will develop and commercialise Shanghai Henlius Biotech’s biosimilar candidate to Johnson & Johnson’s multiple myeloma drugs Darzalex and Darzalex Faspro.

It will get exclusive rights to commercialise the subcutaneous as well as intravenous formulations of HLX15, the biosimilar candidate of Henlius, in the U.S. and Europe, Dr. Reddy’s said on Thursday on the licence agreement a subsidiary signed with Shanghai Henlius Biotech.

Henlius investigational daratumumab biosimilar candidate is a recombinant anti-CD38 fully human monoclonal antibody injection. Under the agreement, Henlius will be responsible for development, manufacturing and commercial supply and receive up to a total of $131.6 million, from Dr. Reddy’s, including an upfront payment of $33 million and milestone payments. Additionally, Henlius is eligible to receive royalties on annual net sales of the product.

The agreement combines Dr. Reddy’s global commercial presence with Henlius’ proven capabilities in developing biosimilars for markets worldwide, the Hyderabad-based generic drugmaker said.

“Over the years, we have created a portfolio of biosimilar products that are being marketed in several emerging markets. This latest collaboration with Henlius further progresses our regulated markets journey in biosimilars. Additionally, oncology has been a top focus therapy area for us,” Dr. Reddy’s CEO Erez Israeli said.

“We are confident that this partnership will enhance the global market competitiveness of both organisations in oncology treatment, ultimately allowing us to reach and support more patients around the world,” Henlius CEO Jason Zhu said.