Alvotech, a global biotech company, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a leading pharmaceutical company, have announced a partnership to develop a biosimilar of Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for the treatment of cancer. The partnership aims to bring a more affordable and accessible version of this life-saving medication to patients worldwide.
Keytruda is a monoclonal antibody that works by targeting the PD-1 receptor, helping the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is approved for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and others. The drug has been a major commercial success for Merck, with sales reaching over $10 billion in 2020.
Alvotech and Dr. Reddy’s plan to develop a biosimilar version of Keytruda, which would be a highly similar copy of the original drug. Biosimilars have the potential to increase access to important medications like Keytruda, which can be expensive and out of reach for many patients. The partnership will leverage Alvotech’s expertise in biotechnology and Dr. Reddy’s experience in developing and commercializing biosimilars.
The companies will work together to develop the biosimilar, with Alvotech responsible for the manufacturing and supply of the drug substance. Dr. Reddy’s will be responsible for the formulation, fill-finish, and commercialization of the product. The partnership will also involve conducting clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the biosimilar compared to the original Keytruda.
The collaboration between Alvotech and Dr. Reddy’s has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of cancer patients worldwide. By developing a more affordable version of Keytruda, the companies aim to increase access to this important medication, particularly in emerging markets where access to innovative treatments is often limited. The partnership also reflects the growing trend of biotech and pharmaceutical companies working together to develop and commercialize biosimilars, which can help to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Overall, the partnership between Alvotech and Dr. Reddy’s is an important development in the field of biosimilars, and has the potential to bring significant benefits to cancer patients worldwide. With the global biosimilars market expected to grow significantly in the coming years, this partnership is likely to be an important step towards increasing access to affordable and effective treatments for cancer and other serious diseases.