Pharma major Lupin has entered into a strategic licensing and supply agreement with Czech-based Zentiva to commercialize its biosimilar version of Certolizumab Pegol across multiple global markets. The partnership represents a significant milestone in Lupin's biosimilar portfolio expansion and positions both companies to capitalize on the growing biologics market.
Strategic Market Division
Under this agreement, Zentiva will be responsible for marketing and distributing the biosimilar in Europe and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries. Lupin, on the other hand, will handle commercialization in the rest of the world, including key markets like the United States and Canada. The agreement excludes territories such as Australia, Japan, Brazil, the Philippines, and India.
While Lupin will manage the development, manufacturing, and supply of the biosimilar, Zentiva will lead the commercial rollout in Europe. "Zentiva will leverage its extensive European commercial infrastructure and regulatory expertise," the company said in an exchange filing.
Financial Structure and Investment
As part of the agreement, Zentiva will make a non-refundable milestone-based payment of up to $50 million to Lupin. This includes an upfront payment of $10 million at the time of signing the agreement. Both companies have also agreed to jointly invest in the development of the biosimilar, with profits from the defined markets to be shared between Lupin and Zentiva.
Company Positioning and Market Impact
Zentiva, k.s. is a leading pharmaceutical company delivering affordable, high-quality medicines to over 100 million people in more than 30 countries, primarily across Europe. This extensive reach provides Lupin with immediate access to established European distribution networks and regulatory expertise.
Lupin stated that this partnership with Zentiva aims to expand its market reach and provide high-quality and cost-effective biosimilars to patients worldwide. "This collaboration with Zentiva aims to expand Lupin's market reach and provide high-quality and cost-effective biosimilar to patients worldwide," the company noted.
Strategic Alignment
This move aligns with Lupin's broader strategy to strengthen its biosimilar portfolio and tap into international opportunities in the high-growth biologics segment. The partnership is expected to enhance Lupin's reach and ensure wider availability of cost-effective biologics globally.
Lupin clarified that the agreement does not involve any acquisition and does not fall under the category of a related-party transaction. None of the promoters, promoter group, or group companies have any financial or other interest in the arrangement.
Company Performance Context
Lupin is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Mumbai, India, with products distributed in over 100 markets. It specializes in pharmaceutical products, including branded and generic formulations, complex generics, biotechnology products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The company's consolidated net profit surged 114.9% to Rs 772.52 crore on a 13.6% jump in net sales to Rs 5,562.20 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24.
