Cipla and Qilu ink exclusive deal to sell Keytruda biosimilar in US

Cipla, through its US unit Invagen Pharmaceuticals, has signed an exclusive licensing and supply partnership with China-based Qilu Pharmaceutical for QL2107, a biosimilar to Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab), to be commercialized in the United States. Under the agreement, Qilu will handle development, regulatory registration, and supply, while Cipla USA Inc. will manage commercialization using its existing sales and distribution footprint. Cipla said the deal reflects its confidence in the long-term role of biosimilars and supports an oncology-focused portfolio strategy aimed at improving patient access by lowering treatment costs once regulatory approval is secured. Qilu characterized the collaboration as a way to bring an affordable pembrolizumab biosimilar to US patients, citing its R&D and manufacturing strengths. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, and industry interest in Keytruda biosimilars is rising as the reference product approaches its patent period.