Teva, mAbxience Strike Licensing Deal for Biosimilar Candidate Focused on Multiple Oncology Indications

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Teva Pharmaceuticals and mAbxience have announced a major strategic licensing deal for a biosimilar candidate dedicated to numerous areas of oncology. Currently in development, the collaboration aims to cover various markets, such as the United States and Europe. According to Teva, the move is part of their “Pivot to Growth” initiative, intending to enhance its portfolio of biosimilars. As per terms of the agreement, mAbxience will utilize its expertise in biosimilar development and its current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facilities for development and manufacturing of the product, while Teva will take the lead when it comes to regulation and commercialization.¹

“Teva is pleased to form this strategic alliance with mAbxience, who share our commitment to accelerate the delivery of impactful medicines to patients worldwide,” said Angus Grant, PhD, EVP, business development, Teva, in a press release. “This collaboration reflects Teva’s ideal strategic partnership model to optimize development costs, mitigate risk and leverage our extensive commercial capabilities.”

In February, Teva’s collaboration with Alvotech on Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk), an interchangeable high-concentration, citrate-free biosimilar to Humira, was given FDA approval. According to the company, this treatment focuses on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adult psoriatic arthritis, adult ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn disease, adult ulcerative colitis, adult plaque psoriasis, adult hidradenitis suppurativa, and adult uveitis. The approval was based on a combination of promising data from three different studies focused on comparing Simlandi to Humira.²

"The approval of Simlandi marks the first high-concentration, citrate-free biosimilar to Humira with IC status,” said Eric Hughes, MD, PhD, EVP, global R&D, chief medical officer, Teva, in a press release. "Biosimilars create opportunities for cost savings across the healthcare system and introduce additional treatment options for patients. This approval marks an important milestone for Teva and Alvotech’s partnership to collaborate on seven biosimilars and expand the availability, access, and uptake of biosimilars in the US.”

According to IQVIA, the introduction of biosimilars leads to increased deployment due to lower costs, offering another option to patients who require various medications. In 2023, the company also predicted that spending on biosimilars will increase anywhere from $20 billion-$49 billion by 2027, with approximately $129 billion in sales.

Additionally, IQVIA explained in a study that in the time leading up to 2027, focusing on biosimilars will result in a total savings of $181 billion, significantly more than the $40 billion over the previous five years.³

“Partnering with Teva not only reinforces mAbxience's position as a global biosimilar company but also aligns with our mission to deliver high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions across continents,” said Jurgen Van Broeck, global commercial director, mAbxience, in the press release. “This agreement will assist healthcare systems in reducing costs, ensuring the provision of these vital cancer treatments to all patients who require them.”

References

1. Teva and mAbxience Announce Strategic Global Licensing Agreement for Oncology Biosimilar Candidate. Teva. April 4, 2024. Accessed April 4, 2024. https://www.tevapharm.com/news-and-media/latest-news/teva-and-mabxience-announce-strategic-global-licensing-agreement-for-oncology-biosimilar-candidate/
2. Alvotech and Teva Announce U.S. Approval of SIMLANDI® (adalimumab-ryvk) injection, the first interchangeable high-concentration, citrate-free biosimilar to Humira®. Alvotech. February 23, 2024. Accessed April 4, 2024. https://investors.alvotech.com/news-releases/news-release-details/alvotech-and-teva-announce-us-approval-simlandir-adalimumab-ryvk
3. Biosimilars in the United States 2023-2027. IQVIA. January 31, 2023. Accessed April 4, 2024. https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports-and-publications/reports/biosimilars-in-the-united-states-2023-2027