Alvotech and DKSH partner to bring key biosimilar to Asia

Together, the companies will provide APAC markets with a cost-effective alternative to the largest-selling blockbuster medicine worldwide.

AVT02 is a biosimilar monoclonal antibody to AbbVie’s Humira, which is a leading drug indicated for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

With recorded sales of approximately US$20 billion in 2018, Humira is the largest-selling blockbuster medicine worldwide.

It neutralizes Tumor Necrosis Alpha (TNF-α), which is a cytokine involved in the systemic inflammation associated with the labelled indications.

Under the partnership, Alvotech Hf will be responsible for the development and supply of AVT02, while DKSH will be responsible for its registration and commercialization.

AVT02 will be filed in the second half of 2020 with the European Medicines Agency and with US Food and Drug Administration (through Alvotech Hf’s US affiliate).

Bijay Singh, Global Head of Business Unit Healthcare, DKSH, said: “We see this partnership with Alvotech as a great opportunity to accelerate our development in the biosimilar space and strengthen our position in this fast-growing segment with tremendous promise across Asia.”