Cipla, Kemwell to Form Biologics JV to Strengthen Biosimilars Portfolio
Cipla Kemwell
Mumbai-based pharmaceutical major Cipla has announced a joint venture with Kemwell Biopharma aimed at expanding its footprint in the rapidly growing biologics and biosimilars segment.
The joint venture agreement was signed on March 2, 2026, with plans to establish a new entity in India. Under the arrangement, Cipla will hold a 60 per cent equity stake, while Kemwell will own the remaining 40 per cent.
The joint venture agreement was signed on March 2, 2026, with plans to establish a new entity in India. Under the arrangement, Cipla will hold a 60 per cent equity stake, while Kemwell will own the remaining 40 per cent.
The partners will initially invest up to ₹10 crore in the new company in proportion to their respective shareholdings. Upon incorporation, Cipla will subscribe to 6,000 equity shares of ₹10 each at par, amounting to ₹60,000.
The proposed venture will focus on the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of biologic products for global markets. Its mandate will include seeking and securing regulatory approvals, along with managing import, export, and outsourced biologics-related operations, as disclosed by Cipla in a filing with the BSE.
The proposed venture will focus on the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of biologic products for global markets. Its mandate will include seeking and securing regulatory approvals, along with managing import, export, and outsourced biologics-related operations, as disclosed by Cipla in a filing with the BSE.
Kemwell Biopharma operates as an Asia-based biologics contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), providing integrated services to international biopharma companies. Its US FDA-certified facility in Bengaluru is equipped with 5,000-litre bioreactor capacity, sterile fill–finish capabilities, and advanced laboratories dedicated to protein therapeutics. The company supports both research and development activities as well as commercial-scale production of biologics and biosimilars.
Cipla clarified that the transaction does not constitute a related-party deal and does not currently require specific governmental or regulatory approvals.
The partnership comes amid rising global demand for biosimilars and advanced biologic therapies, as pharmaceutical companies seek to expand their presence in high-growth specialty segments.
The partnership comes amid rising global demand for biosimilars and advanced biologic therapies, as pharmaceutical companies seek to expand their presence in high-growth specialty segments.
