2 hrs ago
Cipla, Qilu Partner on Keytruda Biosimilar for US Patients
Cipla and Qilu Pharmaceutical are working together on a cancer medicine called QL2107.
QL2107 is designed to be a biosimilar to pembrolizumab, also known by the brand name Keytruda.
A biosimilar is a highly similar version of an existing biological medicine.
Qilu will develop the product, seek regulatory approval, and supply it.
Cipla will help sell the medicine in the United States.
The companies say the medicine could give patients another treatment option.
They also hope it will make advanced cancer treatment more affordable.
The partnership is part of Cipla's plan to expand its oncology portfolio.
Cipla subsidiary Invagen Pharmaceuticals has partnered with Qilu Pharmaceutical to license and supply a pembrolizumab biosimilar in the United States.
The product, QL2107, is intended to provide an alternative to the cancer drug Keytruda.
Qilu will handle development, regulatory registration, and product supply under the agreement.
Cipla will use its US commercial presence to market QL2107.
The companies said the partnership aims to improve access to cancer treatment and lower costs.
- Who
- Cipla's wholly owned subsidiary Invagen Pharmaceuticals and Qilu Pharmaceutical.
- What
- A strategic licensing and supply partnership for QL2107, a pembrolizumab biosimilar.
- Where
- The product will be developed and marketed for the United States.
- When
- The partnership was announced on Thursday and reported on September 4, 2026.
- Why
- The companies aim to improve access to cancer therapies, lower treatment costs, and expand their oncology businesses.
Key facts
- Product
- QL2107
- Reference medicine
- Pembrolizumab, marketed as Keytruda
- US partner
- Invagen Pharmaceuticals, Cipla's wholly owned subsidiary
- Qilu responsibilities
- Development, regulatory registration, and supply
- Cipla responsibility
- Marketing the product in the United States
- Cipla established
- 1935
- Qilu established
- 1958
Quotes
Hanchang Zhang
General Manager of Qilu Pharmaceutical
“We are pleased to establish this partnership with Cipla for QL2107... By combining our R&D and manufacturing strengths with Cipla's US commercial expertise, we aim to bring a high-quality, affordable pembrolizumab biosimilar to US patients.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“This partnership reflects Cipla's confidence in the long-term potential of biosimilars and supports our strategy to build a strong oncology-focused portfolio”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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