Alvotech (NASDAQ: ALVO) and Advanz Pharma announced on May 28, 2025, an expansion of their strategic commercial partnership to include three additional biosimilar candidates for the European market. The agreement adds proposed biosimilars to Ilaris (canakinumab), Kesimpta (ofatumumab), and an undisclosed early-stage candidate to their existing collaboration, which now encompasses more than ten reference biologics.
Partnership Structure and Financial Terms
Under the new agreement, Alvotech will handle development and commercial supply responsibilities, while Advanz Pharma will manage registration and commercialization activities across Europe. The partnership includes development and commercial milestones for the three products totaling up to $180 million at current exchange rates (EUR 160 million), with both companies participating in revenue sharing arrangements.
The supply and commercialization agreements cover all 30 member countries of the European Economic Area, as well as the UK and Switzerland. According to IQVIA data, the current addressable market for the proposed biosimilars covered by the partnership agreements between Alvotech and Advanz Pharma in the countries in scope is now at least $13.8 billion.
Target Products and Therapeutic Areas
The new biosimilar candidates target significant therapeutic markets. Canakinumab is a human antibody interleukin-1β blocker indicated for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, while ofatumumab is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Steffen Wagner, CEO of Advanz Pharma, noted that "two of these three new candidates address rare-disease indications, reinforcing our commitment to broaden access to rare disease and specialty medicines."
Existing Portfolio Expansion
This expansion builds upon partnership agreements signed in 2023 to commercialize proposed biosimilars to Xolair (omalizumab), Simponi (golimumab), Entyvio (vedolizumab), Eylea (aflibercept) and Eylea HD (aflibercept), Dupixent (dupilumab), Taltz (ixekizumab) and Tremfya (guselkumab). For omalizumab, the agreement additionally includes Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Strategic Positioning
Róbert Wessman, chairman and CEO of Alvotech, emphasized the partnership's scope, stating: "We now have agreed to launch proposed biosimilars to more than ten reference products in Europe, starting in 2025 and reaching beyond 2030. This new agreement demonstrates the business development potential and value of Alvotech's growing biosimilars pipeline, that is unrivalled by any other biosimilars developer."
Wagner highlighted the strategic importance for Advanz Pharma: "Biosimilars are a cornerstone of our growth strategy and this expanded collaboration positions us to deliver sustainable value for patients and healthcare systems alike."
Company Profiles
Alvotech is a biotech company founded by Robert Wessman, focused solely on the development and manufacture of biosimilar medicines for patients worldwide. The company's current pipeline includes eight disclosed biosimilar candidates aimed at treating autoimmune disorders, eye disorders, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and cancer.
Advanz Pharma is a UK-headquartered global pharmaceutical company with a strategic focus on specialty, hospital, and rare disease medicines in Europe. The company has commercial sales in more than 90 countries globally and maintains a direct commercial presence in more than 20 countries, including key countries in Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia.
