Cipla is stepping up its push into oncology and biosimilars with an exclusive partnership with China-based Qilu Pharmaceutical to license and supply QL2107, a biosimilar to Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in the United States.

 

Under the strategic agreement, Qilu Pharmaceutical will oversee the drug’s development, regulatory registration and supply, while Cipla USA Inc. will lead commercialization in the US, leveraging its established commercial presence.

 

The partnership comes as demand for affordable cancer therapies continues to grow and strengthens Cipla’s efforts to build a broader oncology-focused biosimilar portfolio.

 

“This partnership reflects Cipla’s confidence in the long-term potential of biosimilars and supports our strategy to build a strong oncology-focused portfolio. By combining Qilu’s development strengths with Cipla’s commercial presence and patient-centric legacy, we aim to expand access to high-quality biologics for patients across our focus markets,” said Achin Gupta, Managing Director & Global Chief Executive Officer, Cipla.

 

Marc Falkin, Chief Executive Officer, Cipla North America, said, “This collaboration is aligned with our strategy to expand our biosimilar portfolio in the coming fiscal years, and we are excited to add QL2107 with Qilu who have been great partners. With our established commercial capabilities, we are well-positioned to successfully launch QL2107, subject to regulatory approval, and help ensure it reaches patients in need while lowering the cost of treatment.”

 

Qilu said the deal combines its research, development and manufacturing capabilities with Cipla’s commercial reach in the US.

 

“We are pleased to establish this partnership with Cipla for QL2107. Qilu boasts a robust and growing biosimilar product pipeline. By combining our R&D and manufacturing strengths with Cipla’s U.S. commercial expertise, we aim to bring a high-quality, affordable pembrolizumab biosimilar to U.S. patients,” said Hanchang Zhang, General Manager of Qilu Pharmaceutical.

 

The agreement gives Cipla exclusive rights to commercialize QL2107 in the US, subject to regulatory approval. The companies said the collaboration is aimed at improving access to advanced biologic cancer treatments while helping reduce treatment costs.

 

The deal also marks another step in Cipla’s strategy to deepen its presence in high-value and complex pharmaceutical segments, particularly oncology and biosimilars.