Fuji Pharma to Commercialize Alvotech's Biosimilars in Japan

Biosimilar developer Alvotech and Fuji Pharma have entered into a partnership agreement for the commercialization of Alvotech’s entire pipeline of biosimilars in Japan, the companies announced this week.

Under the agreement, Alvotech will be responsible for the development and supply of biosimilars, while Fuji Pharma will be responsible for filing the products with Japan’s regulatory agency as well as the commercialization of the approved biosimilars. Alvotech’s biosimilar pipeline includes therapies in various disease states, such as oncology, ophthalmology, and autoimmune diseases.

“We strongly believe that in combining Alvotech’s significant manufacturing capacity and high value biosimilars portfolio with Fuji Pharma’s deep market experience, we will together be staking a place as leaders in Japan’s rapidly growing biosimilars market,” said Rasmus Rojkjaer, CEO of Alvotech.

The partnership also allows Fuji Pharma the opportunity to invest in Alvotech’s capital structure in an effort to “establish a long-term relationship.” Additionally, through the agreement, Alvotech will gain access to Japan’s biosimilars market, which is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 35% over the next few years.

“Together we will ensure that patients in Japan will get high quality biosimilars, while reducing the cost burden on the aging Japanese society. Fuji Pharma’s strong market reach in Japan, complemented with Alvotech’s futuristic portfolio of the expected first-to-launch biosimilar products, will provide the critical synergies for the success of this partnership,” said Eiji Takamasa, Fuji Pharma’s president and CEO.

In Japan, there are 7 biosimilars currently approved, including 1 insulin glargine. Of the remaining products, 3 are biosimilar filgrastim products (of which 1 is developed by Fuji Pharma), 1 is a biosimilar infliximab, 1 is a biosimilar somatropin, and 1 is a biosimilar epoetin alfa.