Alvotech, a biopharmaceutical company, has signed a contract with Cipla Gulf FZ LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global pharmaceutical company, Cipla Limited (BSE: 500087) (NSE: CIPLA EQ).

It is reported today that the contract has been signed for the commercialisation of AVT02, an adalimumab biosimilar, in select emerging markets. The product is a mAb biosimilar to AbbVie's HUMIRA, which is a leading drug indicated for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including (but not limited to) Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn's Disease. It neutralises the Tumour Necrosis Alpha (TNF-alpha) involved in systemic inflammation and the above-mentioned diseases.

According to the terms of the collaboration, Alvotech will be responsible for the development and supply of the product, while Cipla Gulf will be responsible for registration and commercialisation. Alvotech's AVT02 is in Phase-three clinical development ahead of filing with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by early 2020.