Zentiva Group has entered into a licence and supply agreement with pharmaceutical company Lupin for the commercialisation of the latter’s biosimilar Certolizumab Pegol, a tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitor medicine, across several markets.
The partnership will enhance the availability of the affordable biosimilar on a global scale.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Zentiva will manage commercial activities primarily within Europe and CIS markets, excluding the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, Lupin will focus on product development, manufacturing, supply of the medicine within the agreed territories and commercial efforts in the remaining regions, including Canada and the US.
The collaboration involves investment from both companies.
Lupin will receive $10m upon execution of the agreement and could earn up to $50m based on developmental and regulatory milestones.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataProfits generated within their respective markets will be shared between Zentiva and Lupin.
The biosimilar is a recombinant humanised antibody Fab’ fragment targeting TNFα, conjugated to a 40kDa polyethylene glycol.
Zentiva CEO Steffen Saltofte stated: “Ensuring accessibility to high-quality and affordable healthcare is at Zentiva’s core. Our collaboration agreement with Lupin signifies another step forward in our biosimilars and growth strategies.
“Lupin’s advanced development and manufacturing capabilities, coupled with our significant market knowledge and presence, mean we can deliver high-quality biosimilar solutions for our customers and their patients, aligning with our purpose of providing health and wellbeing for all generations.”
The biosimilar is indicated for conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis without X-ray evidence (non-radiographic), moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and Crohn’s disease.
Lupin president of corporate development Fabrice Egros stated: “Our global development and commercialisation partnership with Zentiva, with its pan-European focus, enables Lupin to commercialise this unique biosimilar in its core markets and through Zentiva in Europe.
“This partnership underscores our dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals living with chronic conditions and ensuring accessibility and affordability of transformative therapies worldwide.”
In March 2025, Lupin entered a licensing and supply agreement with SteinCares to commercialise its biosimilar ranibizumab in Latin American markets excluding Argentina and Mexico.
