Dr. Reddy’s and Alvotech Partner to Develop Biosimilar of Keytruda for Global Markets

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has announced a strategic collaboration with Alvotech, a global biotech company specializing in biosimilars, to co-develop, manufacture, and commercialize a biosimilar version of pembrolizumab, the reference product being Keytruda. This partnership marks a significant step toward expanding access to affordable immuno-oncology therapies worldwide.

Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a widely prescribed anti-PD-1 therapy, is approved for the treatment of several types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancers. In 2024, the drug recorded global sales of $29.5 billion, underscoring its critical role in cancer care.

Through this collaboration and licensing agreement, Dr. Reddy’s and Alvotech aim to leverage their respective strengths to accelerate the development and global commercialization of the biosimilar candidate. Both companies will share responsibilities related to product development, regulatory submissions, and manufacturing, along with associated costs. Subject to specific exceptions, both partners will also hold rights to commercialize the product across global markets.

Róbert Wessman, Chairman and CEO of Alvotech, emphasized the strategic importance of the alliance, stating, “This agreement highlights Alvotech’s robust R&D and manufacturing capabilities in the biosimilar space. By collaborating with Dr. Reddy’s, we are expanding our pipeline and advancing our mission to make high-quality, affordable biologics more widely available.”

Erez Israeli, CEO of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, added, “Oncology remains a key focus area for our company. Pembrolizumab is one of the most essential drugs in the immuno-oncology space, and this partnership significantly strengthens our oncology portfolio while advancing our global biosimilar strategy.”

The collaboration aligns with both companies’ long-term vision to increase patient access to life-saving biologic therapies through cost-effective alternatives. As global demand for biosimilars continues to grow, this agreement positions Dr. Reddy’s and Alvotech to play a pivotal role in meeting that need by bringing a biosimilar to one of the world’s leading cancer treatments to market.