Formycon AG announced a significant preclinical milestone for its dupilumab biosimilar candidate FYB208, successfully demonstrating Technical Proof of Similarity (TPoS) with high analytical comparability to the reference drug Dupixent. The achievement positions the German biosimilar developer to potentially streamline clinical development and accelerate patient access to this critical immunological therapy.
Strong Preclinical Foundation Supports Accelerated Development
The Technical Proof of Similarity milestone represents the completion of preclinical development for FYB208, with convincing data demonstrating comparability to Dupixent. According to Dr. Andreas Seidl, Chief Scientific Officer of Formycon AG, the strong in vitro data support a cost-effective development approach with an optimized timeline.
"Based on this excellent data set, we are highly confident that we will be able to meet all requirements for approval of FYB208 without a comparative efficacy study (Phase III study)," Seidl stated. This potential pathway could significantly reduce development costs and time to market, supported by high productivity of the developed cell line that enables competitive manufacturing.
Targeting a Rapidly Expanding Market
Dupilumab addresses chronic inflammatory diseases by inhibiting the signaling pathways of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13, which are responsible for type 2 inflammatory reactions. The drug is approved for treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, atopic dermatitis, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
The market opportunity for FYB208 is substantial and growing rapidly. Global sales of Dupixent reached $14.1 billion in 2024, representing a 22% increase compared to the previous year. Growth momentum continued in 2025, with the drug generating approximately $8 billion in revenues during the first six months alone. Market forecasts project sales will exceed $20 billion by 2030, underscoring the sustained commercial potential.
Strategic Addition to Growing Biosimilar Portfolio
FYB208 represents another growth driver in Formycon's expanding biosimilar portfolio. The company currently has two biosimilars on the market: FYB201/ranibizumab and FYB202/ustekinumab. Additionally, FYB203/aflibercept has received approval from the FDA, EMA, and MHRA. Including FYB208, Formycon has four pipeline candidates currently in development.
The dupilumab biosimilar aligns with Formycon's strategic focus on therapies in ophthalmology, immunology, immuno-oncology, and other key disease areas. The company covers nearly the entire value chain from technical development through clinical trials to regulatory approval, relying on partnerships for commercialization.
Broader Biosimilar Market Context
The achievement comes as the biosimilar market approaches a period of significant expansion. By 2032, many biopharmaceutical drugs will lose patent protection, including 45 blockbusters with an estimated total annual global turnover exceeding $200 billion. Current global biosimilar sales amount to approximately $21 billion, with analysts projecting growth to over $74 billion by 2030.
Biosimilars create market competition that increases patient access to biopharmaceutical therapies while reducing healthcare system costs. For chronic inflammatory diseases specifically, biosimilar alternatives like FYB208 could provide greater treatment access for patients suffering from conditions such as COPD, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
