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news.AstraZeneca has announced two new agreements, one to develop next-generation biologics in China, and the other to expand its respiratory franchise.
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The company has forged an alliance with Chinese biologics firm WuXi AppTec to produce new biological drugs in the country.
AstraZeneca has the option to acquire WuXi AppTec’s biologics factory in Wuxi City for $100m. The company said it will invest $50m to construct another site alongside its existing manufacturing site in the city.
The alliance builds on an existing joint venture between the two companies to develop and commercialize MEDI5117, a biological treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, in China.
AstraZeneca plans further investments to create a new worldwide hub for pharmaceutical development for meeting both China and global requirements.
The company is also working on a China medicines development organization, which will unite early and late-stage medicines development across small molecules and biologics.
AstraZeneca had told earlier this week that it is planning to invest $800m in China in next ten years.
Separately, AstraZeneca has agreed to acquire Takeda Pharmaceutical’s core respiratory business for $575m.
The deal will give AstraZeneca the global rights to roflumilast lung drug, sold as Daliresp in the US and Daxas in other countries, to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
AstraZeneca has been marketing Daliresp in the US since buying those rights from Actavis early this year.
The company said full acquisition of the worldwide rights will support its respiratory franchise and complement its treatments portfolio for severe COPD.
Image: AstraZeneca headquarters in London, UK. Photo: courtesy of AstraZeneca.