Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC has strengthened its collaboration with global biopharmaceutical leader Celltrion Inc through a series of exclusive licensing agreements announced Monday, bringing advanced, affordable biosimilar medicines to patients across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The new agreements will enable the launch of six biosimilars, expanding access to cutting-edge treatments in key therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and allergy care. Under the partnership structure, Hikma will hold exclusive marketing rights across MENA markets, while Celltrion will handle development, manufacturing, and supply.
Strategic Partnership Framework
"This milestone cements Hikma's position as a regional leader in biosimilars and marks a major step in our biotechnology growth strategy," said Mazen Darwazah, Executive Vice Chairman and President of MENA at Hikma. "Together with Celltrion, we're committed to expanding access to high-quality, life-changing biologic therapies that improve patient outcomes and ease pressure on healthcare systems."
The collaboration represents a significant advancement in expanding access to biosimilar treatments across therapeutic areas including allergic diseases, skeletal-related disorders, and immune diseases. Darwazah emphasized that the expansion strengthens Hikma's hospital-focused portfolio, enhancing its ability to deliver a comprehensive range of injectable and biologic treatments.
Addressing Healthcare Access Barriers
By offering high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to complex biologic drugs, Hikma aims to make vital treatments more accessible to patients who previously faced barriers due to high costs or limited availability. The company stated that these treatments have the potential to significantly improve quality of life for patients living with chronic, debilitating, or life-threatening conditions.
The partnership advances Hikma's ambition to become the leading hospital supplier in the MENA region while supporting its broader biotech strategy to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare system burdens, and transform treatment standards in hospitals across the region.
Celltrion's Biosimilar Leadership
Celltrion, a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in researching, developing, manufacturing, marketing and sales of innovative therapeutics, is recognized as a pioneer in the biosimilar space, having launched the world's first monoclonal antibody biosimilar. The company's expertise in biosimilar development and manufacturing will support the partnership's goal of broadening patient access to life-saving and life-enhancing therapies.
With these new agreements, Hikma solidifies its position as a leading provider of biosimilars in the region and takes a pivotal step in its broader biotech strategy to transform treatment standards across MENA healthcare systems.
