Fujifilm / Kyowa Kirin joint venture to make biosimilar adalimumab

On March 27, Fujifilm Corporation and Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co. Ltd. announced the commencement of business operations for their joint venture, Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics Co. Ltd. The 27 employee joint venture will initially focus on the development of a biosimilar adalimumab for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The joint venture already has genetically engineered cell lines and plans on starting clinical trials in the beginning of 2013 with the aim of regulatory approval 4 to 5 years thereafter.

The FujiFilm and Kyowa Kirin press releases may be found here and here.