Dr. Reddy's Partners with Shanghai Henlius to Develop Cancer Drug

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories announced that its subsidiary has signed a licensing agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. to develop and market a cancer drug currently in development. Dr Reddy's Laboratories SA has signed an agreement with the Chinese company for HLX15, its experimental daratumumab biosimilar candidate to Darzalex and Darzalex Faspro.

HLX15 is a fully human monoclonal antibody injection that is recombinant and targets CD38, available in both intravenous and subcutaneous forms. Under the partnership, Henlius will handle development, production, and commercial distribution, potentially earning up to a total of USD 131.6 million, which includes an initial payment of USD 33 million along with milestone payments, according to a statement from Dr Reddy's Laboratories.

Furthermore, Henlius qualifies to earn royalties based on the product's annual net sales, it stated. Dr Reddy's has obtained exclusive rights to market both subcutaneous and intravenous formulations of HLX15 in the US and Europe, it announced.

"This latest collaboration with Henlius further progresses our regulated markets journey in biosimilars. Additionally, oncology has been a top focus therapy area for us," Dr Reddy's CEO Erez Israeli said.

Henlius Executive Director and CEO Jason Zhu said: "We are confident that this partnership will enhance the global market competitiveness of both organisations in oncology treatment, ultimately allowing us to reach and support more patients around the world."