Amgen and Daiichi Sankyo ink biosimilar agreement

Biotechnology company Amgen and Japan-based Daiichi Sankyo have agreed a deal that will allow for the commercialisation of nine biosimilars in Japan.

The deal includes biosimilars that are in late stage development including adalimumab, bevacizumab and trastzumab.

Adalimumab is used to treat arthritis while bevacizumab and trastzumab are cancer treatment drugs.

Under the agreement, announced yesterday, July 14, Amgen will be responsible for the development and manufacture of the biosimilars, while Daiichi Sankyo will file for marketing approval and distribute and commercialise the drugs in Japan.

Amgen will control all additional distribution and commercialisation rights outside Japan.

Scott Foraker, vice president and general manager of biosimilars at Amgen, said: “Amgen is excited to collaborate with Daiichi Sankyo as we seek to drive adoption and build confidence in biosimilars as a means of enhancing patient access to more affordable therapeutic options worldwide.”