Biopharmaceutical company Meitheal Pharmaceuticals has licensed Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh) from its parent company Hong Kong King-Friend Industry (HKF) for the US market.
Yusimry, a biosimilar of Humira (adalimumab), is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker.
It has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nine different indications as a biosimilar of Humira and is available in both prefilled syringe (PFS) and autoinjector formats.
Meitheal has obtained exclusive commercial rights for Yusimry from HKF via an exclusive licence and supply agreement.
HKF obtained the global rights to the biosimilar from Coherus BioSciences in an asset purchase agreement for an up-front all-cash consideration of $40m.
As per the agreement, HKF acquired nearly all assets associated with Yusimry, including development outcomes and regulatory activities.
The completion of both the asset purchase agreement and Meitheal’s licensing arrangement with HKF is now effective immediately, subject to standard approval and conditions.
Meitheal CEO Tom Shea said: “The licensing of Yusimry is a pivotal moment for Meitheal, solidifying our foothold in the biosimilars market and providing us with a high-value asset with the potential for robust growth in the coming years.”
In recent years, Meitheal and HKF are said to have significantly expanded their biologics portfolio and capabilities through several investments.
The latest agreement for the TNF blocker marks the addition of a fifth biosimilar and the first on-market biosimilar to Meitheal’s portfolio.
HKF and its affiliated entities have committed over $300m to enhance capital and research and development efforts. This includes a $30m investment in a monoclonal antibody drug substance facility.
The biopharmaceutical company will continue to develop paediatric formulations and a high-concentration (100mg/mL) formulation of the biosimilar.
Meitheal will collaborate closely with Coherus BioSciences to facilitate a smooth transition of existing Yusimry operations, maintaining full support services for patients and healthcare providers.
HKF president Eric Tang said: “We remain focused on strategic investments in the important biosimilars market and we look forward to a continued partnership with Meitheal to support accessible healthcare solutions.”
