Merck Sharpe and Dohme to develop Enbrel biosimilar

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced a new technology alliance that will focus on the development of a biosimilar version of the branded drug Enbrel.

The agreement will see the company partnering with Hanwha Chemical Corporation to develop and commercialise the candidate biosimilar HD203, which has been created by the latter firm.

Enbrel is registered to Amgen and Pfizer and is designed for the treatment of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Currently, the new biosimilar version of the drug is being evaluated in a Korea-based phase III clinical trial in combination with methotrexate among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Should the biosimilar eventually receive marketing authorisation, Merck Sharpe and Dohme would gain the rights to sell the drug worldwide, other than in Korea and Turkey.

Michael Kamarck, president of Merck BioVentures, said: "This candidate represents a valuable addition to our broad biosimilars portfolio, as we advance our strategy to provide patients with improved access to biologic therapies."