Fierce Pharma Asia recently reported on several key developments in the pharmaceutical industry. One major story is Celltrion’s acquisition of a Lilly manufacturing plant in China. This move is expected to enhance Celltrion’s presence in the Chinese market and increase its production capacity. The plant, which was previously owned by Eli Lilly, will be used to manufacture Celltrion’s biosimilar products.
Another significant development is the rejection of Otsuka’s Rexulti (brexpiprazole) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by the US FDA. Despite showing promise in clinical trials, the agency has requested additional data to support the drug’s efficacy and safety in this indication. This setback is a blow to Otsuka’s efforts to expand the label for Rexulti, which is already approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.
In other news, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Hengrui Pharmaceuticals have entered into a partnership to develop and commercialize antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of various cancers. The deal marks a significant collaboration between the two companies, with Glenmark contributing its expertise in ADC development and Hengrui providing its manufacturing capabilities. The partnership is expected to accelerate the development of innovative cancer therapies and expand the companies’ presence in the global oncology market.
These developments highlight the rapid evolution of the pharmaceutical industry in Asia, with companies like Celltrion, Glenmark, and Hengrui making significant strides in the development and commercialization of innovative therapies. The acquisition of Lilly’s plant by Celltrion demonstrates the growing importance of China as a manufacturing hub, while the partnership between Glenmark and Hengrui showcases the potential for collaboration and innovation in the region.
The rejection of Rexulti for PTSD, on the other hand, serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced by pharmaceutical companies in the regulatory landscape. Despite the setback, Otsuka is likely to continue pursuing the development of Rexulti for this indication, and the company may need to provide additional data to support the drug’s efficacy and safety.
Overall, the pharmaceutical industry in Asia is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by the emergence of innovative therapies, strategic partnerships, and expanding manufacturing capabilities. As companies like Celltrion, Glenmark, and Hengrui continue to invest in research and development, the region is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the global pharmaceutical landscape.