News

Article

Biogen and Xbrane Ink Agreement for Proposed Biosimilar

The commercialization and licensing deal will see Biogen commercialize Xbrane’s Xcimzane, a proposed biosimilar for CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol).

Biogen, a biotechnology company, and Xbrane Biopharma AB, a biotechnology research and development company, announced on Feb. 7, 2022, that they had entered into an agreement to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Xcimzane.

Xcimzane is a preclinical monoclonal antibody that is a proposed biosimilar referencing CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol). Certolizumab pegol is typically used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, although it has also seen use in axial spondyloarthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.

“We aim to bring more biosimilars products to more patients and more geographies and we are excited to bring this additional asset to our Biosimilars pipeline,” said Ian Henshaw, Head of Global Biosimilars at Biogen. “This preclinical biosimilar candidate has the potential to add another option for patients living with rheumatoid arthritis and other indications.”

“Given their vast development and commercialization experience, we are convinced that Biogen is the best possible partner we could have for Xcimzane,” said Martin Åmark, CEO of Xbrane Biopharma AB. “Today’s announcement confirms Xbrane’s ambition to become a global biosimilar developer.”

Per the terms of the agreement, Xbrane will be responsible for the completion of preclinical development of Xcimzane. Biogen will make an upfront payment of $8 million to Xbrane. Xbrane will also be eligible to receive up to $80 million in potential milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties. Biogen will gain exclusive global regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial rights to the drug.

Source: Biogen

Newsletter

Get the essential updates shaping the future of pharma manufacturing and compliance—subscribe today to Pharmaceutical Technology and never miss a breakthrough.

Related Videos
A global supply chain map, visualizing the complex network of transportation routes and distribution centers | Image Credit: © venusvi - stock.adobe.com
Shortcut from point A to point B | Image Credit: © Olivier Le Moal - stock.adobe.com
Behind the Headlines, Episode 21: Waters-BD Merger, Merck’s $10B Bet, and Biotech’s Investment Frontiers
Wooden blocks spelling TARIFFS are placed on a map of North America, specifically over the United States and Mexico | Image Credit: © Rokas - stock.adobe.com
Jason Waite, International Trade Expert, Alston & Bird
Simona Guidi, Associate Director, ProPharma
Tore Bergsteiner
Behind the Headlines, Episode 20: CAR-T Milestones, Abbvie and Eli Lilly M&A Moves, and More
Related Content