Drugmaker Cipla, through subsidiary Invagen Pharmaceuticals, has entered into a partnership with China’s Qilu Pharmaceutical for the exclusive licensing and supply of QL2107, a biosimilar to Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in the U.S.

Qilu will be responsible for development, regulatory registration and supply of the product while Cipla USA Inc. will be responsible for the commercialisation of the asset by leveraging its strong commercial presence in the defined territory, the company said on Thursday (September 3).

The partnership reflects Cipla’s confidence in the long-term potential of biosimilars and supports its strategy to build a strong oncology-focused portfolio, said Achin Gupta, MD and and Global CEO of Cipla.

“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,” Cipla North America CEO Marc Falkin said.

Qilu Pharmaceutical General Manager Hanchang Zhang said “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.”