Hikma and Celltrion team up to transform biosimilar access in MENA
In an expanded partnership between Hikma and Celltrion, six new biosimilars will be launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, offering greater access to life-changing therapies across various therapeutic areas.
Hikma Pharmaceuticals (London, UK) and Celltrion (Incheon, South Korea) have signed exclusive licensing agreements, granting Hikma commercial rights across MENA while Celltrion will develop and supply six new biosimilar treatments. These therapies will target critical diseases ranging from cancer and allergies to skeletal-related and immune disorders. As conditions that often rely on high-cost biologics, the deal will address important systemic issues within healthcare access.
Growing healthcare challenges in the MENA region have been driven by rising demand and high drug costs, which often hinder access to advanced treatments. Biosimilars, which are essentially cost-effective versions of already approved biological drugs, can play a key role in expanding treatment options while driving forward clinical and research progress.
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Hikma and Celltrion’s agreement includes a commitment to providing biosimilars for a wide spectrum of diseases, including allergic conditions, ophthalmology issues and skeletal disorders. Hikma, already a top supplier of injectable drugs in the MENA region, will commercialize the products, while Celltrion, renowned for its innovation in biosimilars like Remsima® and Truxima®, will manage R&D and manufacturing.
“We are proud to expand our partnership with Celltrion, reinforcing our shared commitment to improving access to high quality, biosimilar treatments. These treatments have the potential to significantly improve quality of life for patients living with chronic, debilitating or life-threatening conditions. The addition of these biosimilars enhances Hikma’s ability to serve hospital channels with a comprehensive portfolio of injectables and biologics, reinforcing its ambition to become the top hospital player in the region,” commented Hikma’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mazen Darwazah.
Looking forward, the partnership may encourage further biosimilar introductions, addressing socioeconomic health inequalities and standardizing advanced treatments across MENA.