Cipla and Qilu Partner for US Launch of Keytruda Biosimilar

India's Cipla and China's Qilu Pharmaceutical have formed an exclusive partnership for the US launch of Merck's cancer drug Keytruda biosimilar, QL2107. Under this agreement, Qilu will handle development, regulatory approvals, manufacturing, and supply, while Cipla USA will be responsible for commercialization and sales in the United States.

QL2107 was developed to offer patients a more affordable treatment option that matches the original cancer therapy's safety and efficacy profile. The agreement supports Cipla's strategy to expand its oncology-focused biosimilars portfolio, leveraging Qilu's research and manufacturing capabilities and Cipla's US commercial network.

Keytruda is used against 20 different kinds of cancerous tumors and 45 types and stages of cancer. Merck is set to lose patent protection for Keytruda in 2028.