Henlius and SVAX Form Strategic Partnership in MENAT Market

Henlius, a prominent biopharmaceutical company, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Saudi Arabia's AL-TIRYAQ AL-KHALAWI Medical Company (SVAX), part of the Fakeeh Family's healthcare group. Announced at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, this partnership aims to establish joint ventures in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration will leverage Henlius' expertise in biologics' research, development, and manufacturing, alongside SVAX's proficiency in local market registration, access, and commercialization. Their combined efforts intend to enhance the registration and commercialization of multiple Henlius products across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) regions, thereby improving the accessibility of advanced biologics for more patients.

The signing event witnessed the presence of several notable figures, including Weilai Shen, Director of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Department of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Gang Ling from the Science and Economy Commission of Shanghai Pudong New Area, Qiyu Chen, Co-CEO of Fosun International, Yifang Wu, Chairman of Fosun Pharma, Wenjie Zhang, Executive President of Fosun Pharma and Chairman of Henlius, Ammar Fakeeh, Chairman of the Fakeeh Family Business, and Mazen M. Hassanain, Founder and Managing Director of SVAX.

The agreement outlines the establishment of joint ventures for the commercialization and manufacturing of Henlius products in Saudi Arabia. This includes products like HANDAYUAN (adalimumab, HLX03) and HANBEITAI (bevacizumab, HLX04), which will undergo local commercial and manufacturing activities. The initial focus will be on the investigational biosimilar of pembrolizumab, HLX17, to expedite its global registration and commercialization.

Wenjie Zhang highlighted that the partnership with SVAX is vital for Henlius' international strategy, reinforcing their presence in key markets and boosting global competitiveness. The collaboration aims to foster innovation and growth, advancing the research and production of high-quality biologics, and delivering affordable treatments to patients in the MENAT region.

Jason Zhu, CEO of Henlius, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the alignment of SVAX's innovative approach and regional healthcare improvement with Henlius' mission. The partnership is expected to combine SVAX's local resources and expertise with Henlius' global perspective and innovative capabilities, bringing more advanced biologics to patients in the MENAT region.

Ammar Fakeeh, Chairman of the Fakeeh Family Business, conveyed honor in partnering with Henlius. He noted that Henlius' excellence in biopharmaceutical innovation complements their mission to elevate healthcare in the MENAT region. The collaboration aims to enhance access to essential, high-quality biologics, building a resilient healthcare ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Mazen Hassanain from SVAX expressed delight in the strategic partnership with Henlius, emphasizing the combination of their regulatory, marketing, sales, and manufacturing expertise with Henlius' biopharmaceutical development and global supply capabilities. This partnership aims to bring cutting-edge therapies to the MENAT region, improving patients' lives and advancing healthcare in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Henlius is committed to offering high-quality, affordable, and innovative biologic medicines globally, focusing on oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmic diseases. The company has launched six products in China, with three approved for international markets, benefiting over 670,000 patients. HANQUYOU (trastuzumab) has been approved in 49 countries, aiding over 215,000 patients with breast and gastric cancer. Henlius collaborates with international partners to promote biopharmaceutical innovation and global development, with a presence across multiple continents.

The MENAT region is a significant market for pharmaceuticals, experiencing rapid growth due to increasing healthcare needs and supportive government policies. The collaboration between Henlius and SVAX will drive joint development and foster pharmaceutical innovation in emerging markets.

SVAX is dedicated to localizing biomanufacturing in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality vaccines and biologics. The company supports the region's pandemic preparedness and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi National Biotechnology Strategy. SVAX focuses on innovation, manufacturing, and advisory services to drive transformative change in biomanufacturing and healthcare resilience in the region.