Cipla Teams Up with Qilu to Bring Affordable Cancer Treatment to US Market

Cipla's US unit has entered an exclusive partnership with China's Qilu Pharmaceutical to launch a biosimilar version of Merck's cancer drug Keytruda in the US. Under this agreement, Qilu will handle development, regulatory approvals, manufacturing, and supply of QL2107, while Cipla USA will be responsible for commercialization and sales.

QL2107 is designed to offer patients a more affordable treatment option with the same safety and efficacy profile as Keytruda. The agreement supports Cipla's strategy to expand its oncology-focused biosimilars portfolio by leveraging Qilu's research and manufacturing capabilities and Cipla's US commercial network.

Keytruda, until recently the world's top-selling drug, is used against 20 different types of cancerous tumors and 45 types and stages of cancer. Merck will lose patent protection for Keytruda in 2028.