By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : February 28, 2026 7:58 am
Zydus has in-licensed FYB206, a proposed biosimilar to immuno-oncology therapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab), exclusively from Formycon AG for the U.S. and Canadian markets
Zydus Lifesciences, in partnership with Formycon, has successfully completed clinical development for FYB206, a biosimilar to Keytruda (pembrolizumab), marking a critical step toward a USFDA Biologics License Application (BLA). Following positive results in 2026, Zydus aims to be among the first to bring this critical oncology treatment to the US market.
"The positive clinical data for the FYB206 marks a key milestone in our collaboration with Formycon and reflects our shared commitment to expand access to affordable, life-saving oncology treatments." stated Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Limited. "FYB206 represents the absolute cornerstone of our strategic entry into the complex North American immuno-oncology market."
At the beginning of 2025, Formycon and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had agreed on a streamlined clinical strategy that aims to sufficiently demonstrate the therapeutic comparability of FYB206 with the reference drug Keytruda, based on comprehensive analytical data and data from the Dahlia PK study. Having achieved the primary study objective, Formycon is now focusing on completing all development activities to finalize the documents for regulatory approval. The company is working closely with the regulatory authorities to make FYB206 available as soon as possible after the exclusivity of the reference drug expires.
With the clinical data package effectively complete, this achievement clears the pathway for a near-term Biologics License Application (BLA) filing with the USFDA. This positions Zydus as a potential firstwave filer and a new entrant in the North American immuno-oncology biosimilar market.
Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that belongs to the group of immune checkpoint inhibitors and is used to treat a variety of tumors. With its broad range of indications in oncology and global sales of US$ 31.6 billion in 2025, Keytruda is currently one of the world’s best-selling drugs, underscoring the substantial oncology demand and market potential across the world.