Formycon AG announced details of a previously undisclosed project in its development pipeline. FYB206 is a biosimilar candidate for Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) and the development is at an advanced preclinical stage. In addition to biosimilars in the field of ophthalmology (FYB201/FYB203), immunology (FYB202) and two further yet unpublished biosimilar candidates (FYB208/FYB209), Formycon is expanding its therapeutic range with FYB206 to the rapidly growing field of immuno-oncology.

The active ingredient pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that belongs to the group of immune checkpoint inhibitors and is established in the treatment of a variety of tumors. Pembrolizumab binds to the PD-1 receptor and specifically blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1. This helps the immune system activate the body's own cellular anti-tumor immune response and kill e.g. melanoma cells.

Since 2015, Keytruda® has been established for the treatment of advanced melanoma, lung and other types of carcinoma. In 2021, the reference market for Keytruda® was reported at a size of more than USD 17 billion worldwide.[i] Expert analyses predict that Keytruda® will become the world's top-selling drug in 2023, with annual revenue potential expected to be well over USD 20 billion as early as 2025. The development and commercialization rights for FYB206 are fully owned by Formycon.

Important IP has already been created and patent applications have been filed, with data from the development of alternative formulations. Following convincing results from the extensive analytical protein characterization as well as significant progress in the development of the manufacturing process, a comprehensive data package is currently being compiled in order to closely align further program steps in Scientific Advice Meetings with the EMA and FDA in the second half of the year. Adjusting the manufacturing process to commercial scale is planned for the end of 2022.

For this purpose, Formycon has already secured GMP manufacturing capacities at a renowned contract manufacturer.