Zydus Lifesciences to Acquire Agenus US Biologics Facilities and Boost Oncology CDMO Operations

Plan

Zydus Lifesciences is all set to acquire US-based Agenus Inc. and enter the vast biologics CDMO market along with two California facilities. This idea will enhance and improve Zydus Biotech's footprint. It will strengthen its place in Sri Lanka and India’s oncology market with its immune-oncology products. It will be a strategic move in the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).

In the agreement, Zydus will be acquiring two biologics manufacturing facilities from Agenus. To provide facilities, Agenus has to invest USD 75 million and make a payment of USD million for three years. It will be subject to the achievement of revenues. The acquisition will support Zydus in accelerating the supply chain with the extension of its reach in the US.

The CDMO business will operate as an entity on behalf of Zydus and will source the two acquired manufacturing facilities. Zydus has an official licensing contract for manufacturing rights. The right to supply two major phase 3-ready immune-oncology products, named Balstilimab and Botensilimab, in Sri Lanka and India. The organization will get the primary right to negotiate regarding the manufacturing of future pipeline products produced by Agenus.

Zydus will be liable for the regulatory approvals (to license products) and clinical development, along with a 5% loyalty pay on net sales on approval, and marketization of the products.

Views and Statements

The managing director of Zydus, Sharvil Patel, said the acquisition will bolster growth to the company and provide a strong footprint in the US for biologics manufacturing in the biotech innovation, California. This will enhance and improve the potential to partner with innovation-centric entities.

Additionally, Agenus has an advanced pipeline and research in immune oncology, and Zydus’s impact as a leading Indian oncology player will bring transformative change in therapies.

At Towards Healthcare, we’re opening up our platform to guest contributors who are passionate about sharing ideas, insights, and stories that matter.

If you're interested in contributing or just want to explore what this could look like feel free to reach out to us directly or email our team at sales@towardshealthcare.com