Baxter and Coherus announce biosimilar alliance

Baxter has announced that it will be allying with Cohrerus Biosciences to create new biosimilar therapies, an important and emerging field of medical research.

The exclusive collaboration will see the companies partnering to develop and commercialise a biosimilar version of etanercept, a therapy for autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis that is sold by Pfizer and Amgen under the trade name Enbrel.

Additionally, the agreement allows for the expansion of the collaboration to include another product, with Baxter to make payments of up to $246 million (157.63 million pounds) to its partner under the terms of the deal.

Biosimilars can be used in place of existing branded biologics to treat a range of diseases and could help to expand patient access to essential treatments in future, while also reducing costs for healthcare services.

Dr Ludwig Hantson, president of Baxter's BioScience business, said: "As an established biologics leader, we're looking forward to entering the market with biosimilar treatments that will broaden patient access to care."