Zydus to acquire Agenus’ US manufacturing facilities, forays into global biologics CDMO business

Zydus Lifesciences announces its entry into the global biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sector through the planned acquisition of Agenus' state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facilities in California, US. This acquisition positions Zydus at the forefront of the fast-growing global biologics CDMO market, establishing a robust presence in the world’s leading biotech innovation hub.

With this strategic move, Zydus gains immediate access to advanced biologics development and manufacturing capabilities, further enabling partnerships with innovative biotechnology companies and enhancing its global footprint in high-growth markets. The facilities come with a strong professional team and offer Zydus the ability to serve as a one-stop solution provider from pre-clinical development to large-scale commercial manufacturing. As part of the transaction, Zydus will also become the exclusive contract manufacturer for Agenus’ clinical and commercial supply of two advanced immuno-oncology products, Botensilimab and Balstilimab.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences said, "The acquisition will give Zydus a strategic foothold in the U.S. for biologics manufacturing in the global hub for biotech innovation, California. It will enhance our ability to partner with innovation-centric entities, advancing new products and prioritizing patient-centric solutions. This move strengthens our long-term biologics vision and positions us to better serve the evolving needs of the global biopharmaceutical industry."

In a parallel development, Zydus Lifesciences has entered into a definitive agreement with Agenus Inc. to secure exclusive commercial rights for India and Sri Lanka for their investigational immuno-oncology therapies—Botensilimab (BOT) and Balstilimab (BAL). These next-generation therapies are designed to address high-unmet needs across multiple cancer types and have demonstrated significant clinical activity in advanced trials involving over 1,200 patients.

On licensing agreement, Patel said: “Our licensing partnership with Agenus aligns with Zydus' overarching biologics vision and our aim to advance novel solutions for high-unmet need areas," said Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences. "Agenus' robust pipeline and research in immuno-oncology along with Zydus’ reach as the largest Indian oncology player, is a significant step forward in our collective fight against cancer. We are confident that this collaboration will bring transformative therapies to patients who need them most, in India and Sri Lanka markets.”