Syngene International Limited has signed a 10-year biologics manufacturing agreement with American animal health company Zoetis for manufacturing the drug substance for Librela (bedinvetmab), a first in class monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.

The Indian research, development, and manufacturing services company has been collaborating with Zoetis since 2011. During this period, Syngene International is said to have carried out development work on various monoclonal antibodies for use in animal health. This includes developing and manufacturing clinical supplies for the treatment of allergic or atopic dermatitis, and Librela.

Jonathan Hunt — Syngene International Managing Director and CEO said: “This multi-year agreement marks an inflection point for our Development and Manufacturing Services Division and we look forward to completing the regulatory inspections that will be required.

“This 10-year agreement will position Syngene as a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) in animal health globally.”

The latest biologics manufacturing agreement, which is focused initially on Librela, opens up opportunities in the coming years for the development and manufacturing of other molecules, said Syngene International. It is likely to be worth up to $500 million to the Indian firm over 10 years and is conditional on regulatory approvals and market demand.

Nick Ashton — Zoetis Executive Vice President and President, Global Manufacturing and Supply, said: “At Zoetis, we are committed to delivering high quality innovative solutions to our customers through our global supply network. By advancing the next stage of Librela with Syngene, we continue to build a strong global supply network for Zoetis products and fulfill our purpose to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals.”

  bedinvetmab, India, Jonathan Hunt, Librela, Nick Ashton, Osteoarthritis, Syngene International, Zoetis