Biogen Secures $850M China Felzartamab Deal as Skyclarys, Zurzuvae Fuel Q1 Growth
Biogen will invest up to $850m for exclusive Greater China rights to TJ Biopharma’s felzartamab, including an NMPA-submitted BLA for r/r MM, aiming to lead commercialisation of China’s first domestic anti-CD38 therapy. Skyclarys and Zurzuvae will drive growth as legacy multiple sclerosis products face mounting competition.
1. Felzartamab Deal Expands China Portfolio
On April 20, Biogen agreed to pay up to $850m for exclusive Greater China rights to TJ Biopharma’s anti-CD38 immunotherapy felzartamab, gaining control of the registrational BLA submitted to China’s NMPA for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. TJ Biopharma will retain manufacturing at its Hangzhou GMP facility, positioning felzartamab as China’s first domestic anti-CD38 therapy with a projected 14.6% share of the $458m Chinese MM market by 2029.
2. Q1 Growth Driven by MS Launches
Biogen enters Q1 with its newly launched multiple sclerosis treatments Skyclarys and Zurzuvae expected to drive revenue growth as its legacy MS franchise faces mounting competitive pressure from novel therapies and biosimilars. Strong uptake of the new drugs is key to offset sales declines in its established MS portfolio.