India's Cipla and China's Qilu Pharmaceutical announced a partnership for a Keytruda biosimilar in the United States. This creates a new competitive threat for Merck & Co.'s blockbuster cancer drug.
Under the agreement, Cipla's U.S. unit, InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, gains exclusive U.S. commercialization rights for the biosimilar, QL2107.
Qilu Pharmaceutical will develop, manufacture, and secure regulatory approval for the biosimilar.
The partnership anticipates Keytruda's U.S. patent expiration in 2028.
Keytruda ranks among the world's best-selling drugs. A lower-cost biosimilar could significantly impact Merck's future revenue.