Toripalimab becomes Apotex's first novel brand biologic
medicine
TORONTO, July 2, 2024
/CNW/ - Apotex Inc. ("Apotex"), the largest Canadian-based
pharmaceutical company, today announced an exclusive agreement with
Coherus Biosciences, Inc. ("Coherus") to license Canadian rights to
toripalimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, under which Apotex
will market and distribute toripalimab, in Canada upon approval. The agreement further
expands Apotex's oncology franchise, with toripalimab becoming
Apotex's first novel brand biologic medicine in its portfolio.
"Through this licensing agreement with Coherus on toripalimab,
and upon approval of the new drug submission, we will provide a new
treatment option to patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in
Canada," said Allan Oberman, President & CEO, Apotex. "Our
introduction of toripalimab to the Canadian market is aligned with
our strategic focus of further expanding our innovative branded
pharmaceutical therapeutic areas as we advance our vision of
becoming a Canadian-based global health company."
Under the terms of the agreement, Apotex has exclusive rights to
commercialize toripalimab within Canada. Apotex will be responsible for
obtaining marketing authorization for toripalimab in Canada and plans to seek approval for
toripalimab as a treatment for patients with recurrent or
metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Coherus will receive certain
payments under the agreement, including an upfront payment and
milestone payments upon achievement of certain regulatory and sales
milestones.
About toripalimab
Toripalimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody that blocks
PD-L1 binding to the PD-1 receptor at a unique site with high
affinity and activates anti-tumor immunity. Toripalimab, approved
in the U.S. as LOQTORZI® (toripalimab-tpzi), is
indicated in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for
first-line treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally
advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and as a single agent for
the treatment of adults with recurrent unresectable or metastatic
NPC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing
chemotherapy. For more information about LOQTORZI, including the
U.S. Prescribing Information, and indications and important safety
information, please visit www.loqtorzi.com.
About Apotex
Apotex is a Canadian-based global health company. We improve
everyday access to affordable, innovative medicines and health
products for consumers worldwide, with a broad portfolio of
generic, biosimilar, and innovative branded pharmaceutical
products. Headquartered in Toronto, with regional offices globally,
including in the United States,
Mexico and India, we are the largest Canadian-based
pharmaceutical company and a health partner of choice for the
Americas for pharmaceutical licensing and product acquisitions.
Learn more about us at www.apotex.com.
SOURCE Apotex Inc.