WuXi AppTec has formed a strategic alliance with MedImmune, the global biologics R&D arm of AstraZeneca to bring research and technical capability for biologics to China to address unmet patient needs in AZ’s main therapy areas of respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity; cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; and oncology.

AZ will have the option to acquire WuXi’s biologics manufacturing facility in Wuxi city in the next few years. Prior to that, WuXi Biologics remains the exclusive partner for R&D manufacturing for MedImmune’s innovative biologics in China. 

The alliance builds on the existing joint venture between the companies formed in 2012 to develop and commercialize MEDI5117, a biologic for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The IND application was subsequently accepted by CFDA for review in March 2015. WuXi will continue manufacturing for the program at its cGMP facilities.

WuXi is building its largest biomanufacturing facility using 14 2000L and two 1000L disposable bioreactors to support late-phase clinical and commercial manufacturing.  The first phase of the facility will be operational in January 2017. 

“We are very pleased that our collaboration with MedImmune has leapfrogged to another level of critical importance since our initial collaboration in 2012,” said Dr. Ge Li, chairman and chief executive officer of WuXi AppTec. “The strategic alliance, the first of its kind in China, manifests the global standards and quality of biologics development and manufacturing at WuXi. Through this strategic partnership, WuXi truly offers a gateway for innovative biologics to be developed in China and to be made available to Chinese patients in an expedited fashion.”

“We are delighted to continue and broaden our collaboration with WuXi AppTec, a company with strong leadership in the Chinese biopharmaceutical sector, to address the healthcare needs of local patients,” said Dr. Bahija Jallal, executive vice president, MedImmune. “This strategic alliance, alongside our accelerated investments, will create a sustainable and strategic innovation platform in China and strengthen our leadership in developing next-generation biologics for both local needs and patients around the world.”