Alvotech, a global biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a leading pharmaceutical company, to develop a biosimilar for the cancer drug pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab, marketed under the brand name Keytruda, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. The drug works by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells.
The partnership between Alvotech and Dr. Reddy’s aims to develop a biosimilar version of pembrolizumab, which would provide a more affordable alternative to the original drug. Biosimilars are highly similar to the original biologic drug, with similar efficacy, safety, and quality. They are typically priced lower than the original drug, making them more accessible to patients who may not have been able to afford the original medication.
Under the terms of the partnership, Alvotech will be responsible for the development and manufacture of the biosimilar, while Dr. Reddy’s will handle the commercialization and distribution of the product. The companies plan to seek regulatory approval for the biosimilar in various countries, including the United States, Europe, and other regions.
The partnership is significant, as pembrolizumab is one of the best-selling cancer drugs in the world, with sales of over $10 billion in 2020. The development of a biosimilar version of the drug could potentially disrupt the market and provide significant savings for patients and healthcare systems.
Alvotech and Dr. Reddy’s have a strong track record of developing and commercializing biosimilars. Alvotech has a portfolio of several biosimilar candidates in development, while Dr. Reddy’s has already launched several biosimilars in various markets. The partnership is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies, with Alvotech’s expertise in biosimilar development and Dr. Reddy’s experience in commercialization.
The development of a biosimilar version of pembrolizumab is also expected to increase access to cancer treatment for patients in developing countries, where the original drug may be unaffordable. By providing a more affordable alternative, Alvotech and Dr. Reddy’s hope to make a significant impact on public health and improve patient outcomes.
Overall, the partnership between Alvotech and Dr. Reddy’s is a significant development in the field of biosimilars, with the potential to increase access to affordable cancer treatment for patients around the world. The companies’ expertise and experience in biosimilar development and commercialization make them well-positioned to bring a high-quality biosimilar version of pembrolizumab to market.