Aurobindo Adds Four Biosimilars From TL Biopharmaceutical

On Feb. 9, 2017, Aurobindo announced the acquisition of four cell-culture-derived biosimilars from TL Biopharmaceutical. According to Aurobindo, TL Biopharmaceutical will supply all developmental data for the four molecules and Aurobindo will develop, commercialize, and market them globally. Three of the biosimilars acquiesced by Aurobindo are monoclonal antibodies, the company noted in a statement. The company did not disclose the details of the transaction.

Aurobindo said the company’s lead molecule in the transaction is a biosimilar version of bevacizumab. The monoclonal antibody is a treatment for cancer, including metastatic colon or rectal cancer, non-squamous and non-small cell lung cancers. Genentech, a member of the Roche group, currently markets the reference biologic Avastin (bevacizumab).

According to a Reuters report, Aurobindo also said it had plans to build an additional manufacturing facility in the United States. The new facility will manufacture injectable products. In a statement during an earnings briefing, Bob Cunard, Aurobindo’s US CEO said adding capacity might be good for the company.

"With the current landscape of what's happening with the US White House administration, and some of the things that may change there, clearly, we don't think having capacity in the US would be detrimental at this point," said Cunard.

Source: Aurobindo, Reuters