Intas Pharmaceuticals, through its US division Accord BioPharma, has finalised the acquisition of the Udenyca business from Coherus BioSciences.
Udenyca (pegfilgrastim-cbqv), a biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta, is indicated to treat certain cancer types.
The acquisition includes assets related to the Udenyca franchise, including pre-filled syringes, autoinjectors, and on-body injectors, and certain liabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Coherus received an upfront cash payment of $483.4m, subject to adjustments post-closing.
Coherus may receive two milestone payments totalling $75m contingent on Intas achieving specific net sales thresholds for Udenyca.
The acquisition enhances Intas’ portfolio of FDA-approved products and accelerates Accord BioPharma’s expansion in the biosimilar sector.
Coherus chairman and CEO Denny Lanfear said: “With strong strategic execution, we have transformed the company while dramatically reducing our debt and leaving $250m on the post-close balance sheet.
“This provides ample runway to achieve our mid-term corporate objectives, including maximising Loqtorzi revenues, advancing our novel immuno-oncology candidates in combination with Loqtorzi to key data milestones in 2026, and progressing label expanding indications for Loqtorzi in novel combinations.
“Coherus is now an innovative, revenue-generating oncology company with a strong balance sheet, and a promising mid-stage pipeline focused on unmet needs.”
Accord BioPharma will continue offering Udenyca to reduce infection incidence in patients with non-myeloid malignancies undergoing myelosuppressive anti-cancer treatments.
Udenyca’s administration options, autoinjector, on-body injector, and prefilled syringe, provide flexibility for home, on-the-go, or office treatment.
The acquisition not only expands Accord BioPharma’s product range but also brings experienced personnel from Coherus BioSciences.
Employees from sales, marketing, finance, supply chain, quality and manufacturing will join Accord BioPharma, ensuring continuity and supporting Udenyca’s growth.
Smith Anderson served as legal counsel to Accord and Intas, while J.P. Morgan Securities served as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins served as legal counsel to Coherus.
Accord US President Chrys Kokino said: “The completion of the Udenyca acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Accord BioPharma, as it not only strengthens our market presence but broadens our capabilities as we endeavour to innovate and expand in the biosimilar space.
“We are delighted to welcome talented employees from Coherus, whose historical knowledge and expertise will complement that of our existing team, making us stronger and better equipped to achieve our goals with Udenyca.”
Intas Pharmaceuticals executive chairman and managing director Binish Chudgar said: “We are energised by this addition to Accord BioPharma’s portfolio because it exemplifies our commitment to improving patient access to high-quality treatments.
“We are pleased with the successful completion of this agreement and are excited about the future opportunities it brings for Accord BioPharma in the US market.”
