Zydus to enter global biologics CDMO business: Plans to acquire Agenus' U.S. manufacturing facilities to accelerate development of innovative therapies

Rhea-AI Summary

Zydus Lifesciences has announced its entry into the global biologics CDMO market through the acquisition of Agenus Inc.'s (NASDAQ: AGEN) U.S.-based biologics manufacturing facilities for $75 million upfront, plus $50 million in contingent payments. The deal includes two state-of-the-art facilities in Emeryville and Berkeley, California, establishing Zydus's presence in a major biotech hub. As part of the agreement, Zydus will become the exclusive manufacturer for Agenus's Phase-3 ready immunotherapy products Botensilimab and Balstilimab. The acquisition positions Zydus as a comprehensive biologics solution provider and aims to capitalize on the growing biologics CDMO market, which is projected to reach $84.9 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 15.7% from 2025-2034.

Positive

• Strategic acquisition of two state-of-the-art biologics facilities in California for $75M upfront establishes U.S. presence
• Exclusive manufacturing agreement for two Phase-3 ready immuno-oncology products ensures immediate revenue stream
• Entry into fast-growing biologics CDMO market projected to reach $84.9B by 2034 with 15.7% CAGR
• Expansion creates new job opportunities and strengthens local economy in California

Negative

• Additional $50M contingent payment required over three years based on revenue milestones
• Significant investment required for facility operations and team expansion
• Integration challenges of acquiring and managing U.S.-based operations

Insights

Biotech Industry Analyst

Zydus's $125M acquisition of Agenus's facilities creates strategic CDMO expansion into high-growth biologics manufacturing with guaranteed revenue streams.

This $75 million acquisition (plus $50 million in contingent payments) represents a strategic pivot for Zydus into the rapidly expanding biologics CDMO space. The company is acquiring two specialized manufacturing facilities in California's biotech hub, providing immediate access to advanced biologics manufacturing capabilities without the lengthy build-out period typically required for such specialized facilities.

The deal structure reveals multiple strategic advantages. First, Zydus secures guaranteed revenue through exclusive manufacturing contracts for Agenus's Phase 3-ready immuno-oncology products Botensilimab and Balstilimab. This provides immediate revenue stability while Zydus builds its third-party CDMO pipeline. Second, the first-right-of-negotiation for Agenus's future pipeline products creates additional potential revenue streams.

From a market timing perspective, this move is particularly astute. The biologics CDMO market is projected to reach $84.9 billion by 2034, growing at an impressive 15.7% CAGR. This growth is driven by increasing biologics development, especially among smaller biotechs that lack manufacturing infrastructure. Zydus is positioning itself to capture value from this trend while also establishing a U.S. manufacturing presence—a strategic advantage given growing preferences for geographic diversification in pharmaceutical supply chains.

For Agenus, this transaction likely provides needed capital while maintaining manufacturing access for its lead clinical assets. For Zydus, this represents vertical integration of its biologics capabilities, now spanning from pre-clinical development through manufacturing, enhancing its value proposition to potential partners.

The acquisition will establish Zydus' presence in fast growing global biologics CDMO space. Acquired capabilities include cutting-edge biologics development and manufacturing services to serve the needs of global innovative biotechnology companies.

AHMEDABAD, India and PENNINGTON, N.J., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. (including its subsidiaries/affiliates, hereafter referred to as 'Zydus' today announced its entry into the global biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business through its plan to acquire Agenus Inc.'s (NASDAQ: AGEN) U.S.-based biologics CMC facilities. This acquisition marks Zydus' strategic investment in U.S.-based manufacturing for biologics thereby adding a sustainable growth driver for the group. Agenus Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company committed to developing immune therapies that effectively combat cancer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Zydus will acquire two state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facilities from Agenus in Emeryville and Berkeley, California (US) for an upfront consideration of US$75 million and contingent payment of US$50 million to be paid over three years subject to achievement of certain revenue milestone. This acquisition provides Zydus immediate access to advanced biologics manufacturing capabilities and establishes a key presence in California, a leading global biotechnology hub. This strategic move enables Zydus to leverage supply chain dynamics and a favourable geopolitical environment to expand its reach in the U.S. and globally. With this acquisition Zydus will now become a one stop solution provider across the entire development spectrum of biologics, right from pre-clinical to toxicology studies, clinical development and now manufacturing.

Zydus' CDMO business will operate as an independent entity and will house the acquired manufacturing capabilities. The facilities come with an experienced professional team with strong capabilities and requisite industry expertise to deliver high-quality biologics development and manufacturing services to global biotech and pharmaceutical companies. As a part of transaction Zydus will become an exclusive contract manufacturer for Agenus and will provide manufacturing services for clinical and commercial supply of two identified Phase-3 ready immuno-oncology products, Botensilimab (BOT) and Balstilimab (BAL). Zydus will also have first right of negotiation to manufacture any of the future pipeline products developed by Agenus. Zydus intends to further expand the team and help create new jobs in the region and contribute to the local economy.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. said, "The acquisition will give Zydus a strategic foothold in the U.S. for biologics manufacturing in the global hub for biotech innovation, California. It will enhance our ability to partner with innovation-centric entities, advancing new products and prioritizing patient-centric solutions. This move strengthens our long-term biologics vision and positions us to better serve the evolving needs of the global biopharmaceutical industry."

The global biologics CDMO market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing complexity of therapies, the rise of biologics in clinical pipelines, and a growing number of emerging biotech companies lacking internal manufacturing capabilities. According to market.us, the Global Biologics CDMO Market Size is expected to be worth around US$ 84.9 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 15.7% between 2025 to 2034. As demand surges for reliable, agile, and scalable partners, Zydus' entry into this space positions it to tap into significant long-term growth opportunities and support innovation across the global biopharmaceutical landscape.

About Zydus

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. with an overarching purpose of empowering people with freedom to live healthier and more fulfilled lives, is an innovative, global lifesciences company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of healthcare therapies. The group employs 27,000 people worldwide, including 1,400 scientists engaged in R & D, and is driven by its mission to unlock new possibilities in lifesciences through quality healthcare solutions that impact lives. The group aspires to transform lives through path-breaking discoveries. Over the last decade, Zydus has introduced several innovative, first-in-class products in the market for treating unmet healthcare needs with vaccines, therapeutics, biologicals and biosimilars.

For more details visit: www.zyduslife.com.

About Agenus

Agenus Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company committed to developing immune therapies that effectively combat cancer. Leveraging proprietary scientific platforms, the company's pipeline includes multiple checkpoint antibody candidates, vaccines, and cell therapies. Headquartered in Lexington, MA, Agenus operates globally, driving innovations to bring better cancer treatments to patients.

For more details visit: www.agenusbio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the successful integration of the acquired business, market conditions, and other factors.

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SOURCE Zydus Lifesciences

FAQ

What is the value of Zydus's acquisition of Agenus's manufacturing facilities?

Zydus will pay $75 million upfront plus potential contingent payments of $50 million over three years based on revenue milestones.

Where are the acquired Agenus manufacturing facilities located?

The two state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facilities are located in Emeryville and Berkeley, California, USA.

What products will Zydus manufacture for Agenus under this agreement?

Zydus will be the exclusive manufacturer for two Phase-3 ready immuno-oncology products: Botensilimab (BOT) and Balstilimab (BAL).

What is the projected size of the biologics CDMO market by 2034?

According to market.us, the Global Biologics CDMO Market is expected to reach $84.9 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2025 to 2034.

How will this acquisition benefit Zydus's biologics capabilities?

The acquisition makes Zydus a one-stop solution provider for biologics, covering pre-clinical studies, toxicology, clinical development, and manufacturing.