📌At a Glance:Dr. Reddy’s and Iceland-based Alvotech are co-developing a biosimilar version ofKeytruda®, the blockbuster immuno-oncology drug that clocked $29.5 billion in global sales in 2024. With shared costs and global rights, this deal is one of Dr. Reddy’s most ambitious biologics bets yet.
🧬 What is Keytruda®?
- Original brand byMerck
- Active molecule:pembrolizumab
- Approved formelanoma, lung cancer, head & neck cancers, and more
- 2024 Global
- Sales:$29.5 Billion
- Atop 3 global drugby revenue
🤝 What’s the Deal?
- Partners:Alvotech (NASDAQ: ALVO) & Dr. Reddy’s (NYSE: RDY)
- Structure:Co-development + co-manufacturing + shared commercialization
- Rights:Global, with some carve-outs per region
- Goal:Get biosimilar approval for Keytruda andundercut Merck’s monopoly
🧪 Why It Matters
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cost Split | Lower R&D burden for each company |
| Speed to Market | Dual R&D = Faster trials and regulatory filings |
| Global Reach | Alvotech brings EU/US reach, Dr. Reddy’s brings India + EMs |
| Oncology Expansion | DRL doubles down on high-margin biologics |
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