Teva Pharmaceuticals International GmbH has entered into a global licensing agreement with Polpharma Biologics International AG for exclusive commercialization rights to Polpharma Biologics’ proposed biosimilar to Ocrevus, also known as ocrelizumab.
The agreement covers both intravenous and subcutaneous formulations of the biosimilar candidate, subject to regulatory approval. It brings together Polpharma Biologics’ development and manufacturing capabilities with Teva’s established commercial infrastructure across major global pharmaceutical markets.
Under the terms of the deal, Polpharma Biologics will retain responsibility for the development and manufacturing of the proposed biosimilar. Teva will manage regulatory submissions and, if the product is approved, commercialize it in the United States, Europe, Brazil, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and Turkey.
Ocrevus is a biologic medicine used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, including relapsing forms of the disease and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Biosimilar competition in this area could expand treatment options for patients and potentially help reduce pressure on healthcare budgets, particularly in markets where biologic therapies account for a significant share of specialty medicine spending.
The licensing agreement is expected to support Teva’s broader strategy to grow its biosimilars portfolio. The company has identified biosimilars as an important component of its “Pivot to Growth” plan, which focuses on expanding its pipeline of complex medicines and strengthening its position in areas with significant unmet patient and healthcare-system needs.
Yolanda Tibbe, vice president and global head of biosimilars at Teva, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s plans to broaden access to biologic medicines through its global commercial reach and experience in complex pharmaceutical products.
“This agreement is aligned with Teva’s Pivot to Growth strategy and our focus on expanding our biosimilars pipeline,” Tibbe said. “With our global commercial footprint and deep expertise in complex medicines, we are well positioned to help bring this biosimilar candidate to patients.”
Polpharma Biologics said the partnership provides a pathway to advance the product toward patients at scale. The company has continued to build its biologics portfolio through the development of biosimilar candidates for therapies used across several disease areas.
Anjan Selz, chief executive officer of Polpharma Biologics International AG, said Teva’s commercial capabilities complement Polpharma Biologics’ technical and development expertise.
The agreement reflects continued industry interest in biosimilars as pharmaceutical companies seek to increase competition in high-cost biologic markets. If approved, the proposed ocrelizumab biosimilar could add another treatment option for patients with multiple sclerosis across a broad group of international markets.