Aurobindo Pharma-led arm inks licensing pact with BioFactura

10 Jul 2023 , 11:53 AM

Aurobindo Pharma Limited announced that CuraTeQ Biologics, its wholly-owned subsidiary entered into an exclusive license agreement with the United States-based BioFactura for the commercialization of an antibody used to treat a variety of digestive and skin ailments.

Following this development, Aurobindo Pharma was trading 1.48% lower at Rs 734.60, against the previous close of Rs 745.60 on NSE.

BFI-751 is being developed as a biosimilar to Stelara (Ustekinumab). Ustekinumab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody that treats Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis by blocking both interleukins IL-12 and IL-23.

According to the company, Ustekinumab recorded global drug sales of about $10 billion in 2022, creating a significant opportunity with a good number of indications and wider use.

CuraTeQ has been granted exclusive license rights to commercialize BFI-751 in all major regulated markets worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as certain other semi-regulated and emerging markets.

CuraTeQ will also have global manufacturing rights for this product. The company plans to manufacture it at CuraTeQ facilities in Hyderabad, India.

As the next logical step in development, BioFactura intends to launch a global Phase 3 trial of the product. CuraTeQ said that it will file this product in India and Emerging Markets in early 2024, with regulated market filings beginning in 2026, according to Aurobindo Pharma.

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