Biogen Inc. and Xbrane Biopharma AB announced that they have entered into a commercialization and license agreement to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Xcimzane™, a preclinical monoclonal antibody that is a proposed biosimilar referencing CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol). CIMZIA®'s primary indication is for rheumatoid arthritis in adults as well as axial spondylarthrosis, psoriasis and Crohn's disease. In 2020 global sales of CIMZIA® were EUR 1.8 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, Biogen will gain exclusive global regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial rights to Xcimzane™ and will be the Marketing Authorization Holder. Under the terms of the agreement, Biogen will make an upfront payment of $8 million to Xbrane. Should certain development and commercial milestones be achieved, Xbrane will be eligible to receive up to $80 million in potential milestone payments.

Xbrane is also eligible to receive tiered royalties. Xbrane will be responsible for the completion of pre-clinical development of Xcimzane™ and Biogen will be responsible for all remaining development activities and costs required to achieve Marketing Authorization in all territories, including those for clinical development.