Biocon-Yoshindo agreement
The Biocon-Yoshindo deal involves two biosimilar assets, bUstekinumab and bDenosumab. bUstekinumab, is a biosimilar referencing Janssen Pharmaceutical’s Stelara (ustekinumab), a monoclonal antibody used to treat several autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis [1]. Whereas bDenosumab, is a biosimilar referencing Amgen’s Prolia (denosumab), a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of osteoporosis [2].

Under the terms of the agreement, Yoshindo now has exclusive commercialization rights in Japan for bUstekinumab and bDenosumab that have been developed and manufactured by Biocon Biologics. The addressable market opportunity is estimated to be ~US$700 million. Biocon Biologics will receive an upfront license fee together with additional payments on the achievement of certain development milestones over the coming few years. However, the financial specifics have not been revealed.

Syna-Intas agreement
Syna Therapeutics is a joint venture of Reig Jofre and Leanbio, which has now signed a global licensing deal with Intas to commercialize its biosimilar drug LB-0702, developed to treat pathologies in the field of haematology. The originator/reference product has not been named.

Under the terms of the agreement, Syna will develop, manufacture and supply LB-0702 to Intas and its affiliates. Intas now has exclusive license rights to commercialize LB-0702 worldwide. The deal is key for Syna who can now take advantage of Inta’s subsidiary and biosimilars kingpin, Accord Healthcare’s sales and distribution networks in 85 countries. 

Clinical trials for LB-0702 are due to start in 2023.

Related articles
New partnerships: Prestige-Intas and Samsung Bioepis-Samil

Ustekinumab biosimilars: new international biopharma agreements

Clinical trials begin for ustekinumab biosimilars

Theramex to market Prolia biosimilar in Europe and Australia

First subjects dosed in Australian phase I study of denosumab biosimilar

References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilars of ustekinumab [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2022 Nov 25]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/general/biosimilars-of-ustekinumab
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilars of denosumab [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2022 Nov 25]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/general/Biosimilars-of-denosumab

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