Amgen and Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited announced the execution of an exclusive agreement to commercialize nine biosimilars in Japan. The deal includes several biosimilars in late stage development, including biosimilars of adalimumab, bevacizumab and trastuzumab.

Under the terms of the agreement, Amgen will remain responsible for the development and manufacturing of the biosimilars. Daiichi Sankyo will file for marketing approval and be responsible for distribution and commercialization in Japan, while Amgen will have a limited right to co-promote the products.

“Amgen is excited to collaborate with Daiichi Sankyo as we seek to drive adoption and build confidence in biosimilars as a means of enhancing patient access to more affordable therapeutic options worldwide,” said Scott Foraker, vice president and general manager of Biosimilars at Amgen.

Amgen will retain all additional distribution and commercialization rights for the biosimilar programmes outside of Japan. Specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.