Fresenius Partners with WuXi Biologics to Expand Biosimilar Pipeline

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA has entered into an exclusive development agreement with WuXi Biologics to expand its biosimilar drug pipeline, with access to up to 37 potential new candidates over the next decade.

Announced on November 2, 2026, the agreement is expected to significantly strengthen Fresenius’ biopharmaceutical business and increase its portfolio from the current 29 marketed and pipeline molecules to as many as 66.

The companies describe the deal as the largest development agreement announced in the biosimilars industry to date. The selected candidates could address markets representing more than €370 billion in originator product sales.

Under the agreement, Fresenius will have exclusive access to the identified biosimilar candidates and the flexibility to select which programmes it wants to advance. The selection process will consider market potential, development risks and expected financial returns.

WuXi Biologics will provide research, development and manufacturing services through its global network, which includes facilities and operations across Europe, the United States, China and Singapore.

Fresenius will retain exclusive worldwide commercialisation rights for every product it chooses to develop, including marketing authorisations and the full commercial value generated from successful products.

The expanded portfolio is expected to cover 13 therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, gastroenterology, neurology, nephrology and cardiopulmonary diseases.

It will also include several types of biological medicines, such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and fusion proteins.

The initial development programmes are expected to focus on two important drug candidates: polatuzumab vedotin and teprotumumab.

Polatuzumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate used to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It works by delivering a cancer-killing drug to B cells expressing a specific protein called CD79b.

Teprotumumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat thyroid eye disease, an autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation and damage around the eyes. It works by blocking the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), which plays a role in the disease process.

Through the agreement, Fresenius aims to expand access to these and other complex biological medicines through biosimilar development.

Michael Sen, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius, said the agreement would help the company significantly expand its biopharmaceutical business while maintaining control over product selection, development decisions and commercialisation.

He also highlighted the importance of combining WuXi Biologics’ development and manufacturing capabilities with Fresenius’ global manufacturing and commercial network.

The agreement builds on Fresenius’ recent acquisition of the remaining 45% stake in mAbxience, making the Spanish biopharmaceutical company a wholly owned subsidiary in October 2026.

Fresenius plans to determine the long-term manufacturing strategy for each selected candidate. This could include transferring the manufacturing of certain products to the mAbxience network as development progresses.

Financially, the agreement will operate on a fee-for-service basis. Fresenius will pay WuXi Biologics for each candidate it selects for development, allowing investment to increase gradually as individual programmes move forward.

The company said the agreement will not require additional financing and will be funded through its operating cash flow. Its existing financial guidance for 2026 also remains unchanged.

Fresenius currently aims to approximately double its biopharmaceutical revenue by 2030 compared with 2025, with an operating margin of around 20%. The new agreement is expected to create additional growth opportunities beyond 2030.

The partnership reflects the growing interest in biosimilars as pharmaceutical companies look for ways to expand access to biological medicines and strengthen their development pipelines.

For Fresenius, the collaboration provides a broader range of potential products and supports its ambition to become a stronger player in the global biopharmaceutical market.