Chinese biopharma company Bio-Thera Solutions has signed a commercialization and license deal worth up to $150 million with Hikma Pharmaceuticals to commercialize the former’s BAT2206.

BAT2206 is a monoclonal antibody, which is being developed by the UK-based pharma company as a biosimilar referencing Jansen’s Stelara (ustekinumab), in the US. Stelara is presently approved for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults, among other indications.

Currently, BAT2206 in a global phase 3 clinical trial.

Dr. Shengfeng Li — CEO of Bio-Thera Solutions said: “Partnering with Hikma to commercialize BAT2206, our ustekinumab biosimilar, further validates the high quality of the work performed at Bio-Thera.

“We are proud to expand our network of partners to include another great company like Hikma.”

As per the terms of the agreement, Bio-Thera Solutions will be responsible for the development, manufacturing, and supply of BAT2206.

On the other hand, Hikma Pharmaceuticals will hold exclusive rights for commercializing the monoclonal antibody in the US. The agreement also gives the company first-right-to-negotiate to add Europe.

Bio-Thera Solutions will be paid an upfront amount of $20 million followed by up to $130 million payments based on further development and commercial milestones.

Siggi Olafsson — CEO of Hikma Pharmaceuticals said: “This partnership provides us with a unique opportunity to enter the biosimilar market in the US, building on our position as a leading generic manufacturer in the US.

“Tapping into the growth of the biosimilar market in the US has been an area of focus for Hikma. Our established commercial presence in the US market and Bio-Thera’s strong technical capabilities for the development and manufacturing of biological products are highly complementary and we are excited by the potential this partnership offers.”

  Arthritis, BAT2206, Bio-Thera Solutions, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Psoriatic arthritis, Shengfeng Li, Siggi Olafsson, Stelara, ustekinumab