Cipla arm, Alvotech enter partnership for commercialization of adalimumab biosimilar AVT02

AVT02 is a mAb biosimilar to AbbVie's HUMIRA, which is a leading drug indicated for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including (but not limited to) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Plaque Psoriasis (PP), Psoriatic Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and Crohn's Disease (CD). It neutralizes the Tumor Necrosis Alpha (TNF-α) involved in systemic inflammation and the above-mentioned diseases. AbbVie's HUMIRA recorded sales of about US$20 billion in 2018, making it the largest-selling blockbuster medicine worldwide.

Commenting on the partnership, Robert Wessman, Alvotech's founder and Chairman said, "We are very proud to announce our strategic alliance with Cipla, a leading global company with over 84 years of history. By partnering with Cipla, Alvotech gains access to Cipla's strong commercial network in select emerging markets and deep market experience, which will ultimately benefit patients who will get better access to high-quality biosimilars."

Nishant Saxena, CEO, International Business (Europe & Emerging Markets), Cipla, said, "This is a significant addition to our portfolio of offerings in the global biosimilars space which includes trastuzumab, bevacizumab, etanercept and pegfilgrastim. Adalimumab is the highest-selling pharmaceutical product in the world and the preferred anti-inflammatory treatment option for several autoimmune diseases.

"We look forward to partnering with Alvotech and leveraging our own strong commercial strengths and capabilities to make this highly effective treatment option available to patients in several countries, "Saxena added.

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