AbbVie enters Humira licensing deal with Fresenius Kabi

AbbVie has announced that it has entered into a licensing deal with Germany-based pharmaceutical company Fresenius Kabi.

On Thursday, October 18, AbbVie said that it will license its Humira (adalimumab) patents to Fresenius Kabi in a non-exclusive deal.

Humira is used to treat a number of illnesses, including arthritis, Crohn's disease, chronic psoriasis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

As part of the agreement, the companies have also resolved all litigation relating to Fresenius Kabi’s proposed biosimilar adalimumab product.

Last year, Fresenius Kabi announced that it had submitted a marketing authorisation for its adalimumab biosimilar candidate at the European Medicines Agency.

Under the terms of the recent agreement, Fresenius Kabi will pay royalties to AbbVie for licensing Humira. The precise details of the agreement are confidential.

According to the deal, Fresenius Kabi’s adalimumab product can be commercialised in the US from September 30, 2023, depending on marketing authorisation.

Meanwhile, licences under the agreement came into effect in certain countries in Europe on Wednesday, October 17.

Michael Schönhofen, president of Fresenius Kabi’s pharmaceutical division, said the agreement is a “major step” in developing and commercialising the company’s biosimilar portfolio.

“In line with our caring for life philosophy, our aim is to contribute to broader access to affordable therapies for chronic and acute diseases,” he said.

“Biosimilar drugs are an increasingly important component in reaching this aim—to the benefit of patients and healthcare systems."

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