Viropro, Inc. and Oncobiologics, Inc. have signed a biosimilar collaboration agreement, under which Viropro will have the rights to manufacture six monoclonal antibody products being developed by Oncobiologics for commercialization in more than 70 emerging markets (excluding China). Viropro will have commercialization rights to the six biosimilars for Malaysia. In addition, the companies will co-manage Viropro’s Alpha Biologics biomanufacturing subsidiary in Penang, Malaysia. 
 
The biosimilars are generic versions of Humira, Rituxan, Avastin, Herceptin, Erbitux, and one other non-disclosed biotherapeutic. The companies project that Viropro commercial and manufacturing royalties have the potential to grow to an annual revenue rate of $60–$150 million in 10 years. The partnership plans to launch its first product by late 2014.
 
“The Oncobiologics biosimilars program is a perfect complement to Viropro’s biomanufacturing expertise. Their scientific team is comprised of recognized industry veterans and we are impressed by the high quality of the science they are achieving,” said Viropro’s president and chief executive officer, Cynthia Ekberg Tsai. “This partnership brings together high-quality molecules developed to FDA and EU regulatory standards integrated with world class biomanufacturing, the net result being high quality products with low cost of goods. Together we are well positioned to provide emerging countries access to affordable, high-quality biopharmaceutical products for critical indications.”
 
Oncobiologics’ founder and chief executive officer, Pankaj Mohan, Ph.D., said, “We are thrilled to have Viropro as an anchor partner. Together we form a fully integrated biopharmaceutical alliance to serve the emerging markets. The combination of a state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility and support from the Malaysian Government makes Viropro an ideal partner. This unique partnership allows us to bring together technical expertise and quality oversight from the U.S. with a high capability, low cost biologics operation in Malaysia.”