Eli Lilly outsources Verzenios’ commercial operations to China’s Innovative Biologics

CHINA—Eli Lilly and Company has signed a commercialization agreement with Innovent Biologics, giving the Chinese biotechnology company exclusive rights to market, distribute, and promote Verzenios (abemaciclib) in mainland China.

Under the deal, Innovent will oversee the product’s commercial operations, while Lilly will continue to manufacture, supply and develop the medicine.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Expanding access to breast cancer treatment

Verzenios is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor developed by Lilly for the treatment of several forms of breast cancer.

In China, regulators have approved the medicine for use alongside endocrine therapy as an adjuvant treatment for adults with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive early breast cancer that carries a high risk of recurrence.

The drug is also approved for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Depending on the patient’s condition, it can be prescribed together with an aromatase inhibitor, fulvestrant or imlunestrant.

These treatment options allow physicians to tailor therapy according to disease stage and previous treatment history.

Verzenios has played an important role in improving access to treatment in China since its inclusion in the country’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) Class B in 2021.

 It became the first CDK4/6 inhibitor to receive national reimbursement, helping reduce treatment costs for eligible patients.

Its inclusion was renewed for 2025, ensuring continued reimbursement for both early-stage and advanced breast cancer indications.

Innovent strengthens its oncology portfolio

Innovent Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Yu said the company plans to use its established commercial network and strong presence across China to expand access to innovative cancer therapies.

He noted that breast cancer remains one of the country’s most common and life-threatening cancers among women and continues to be a strategic focus for Innovent.

Yu added that bringing Verzenios into Innovent’s commercial portfolio will strengthen the company’s position in breast cancer treatment.

He said the medicine’s proven clinical benefits, broad approved indications and national reimbursement status provide a solid foundation for expanding Innovent’s oncology business while supporting future pipeline development.

The agreement also reflects Lilly’s evolving strategy in China as competition from lower-cost generic medicines continues to grow.

Industry analysts say partnering with Innovent’s established commercial infrastructure could help sustain Verzenios’ market position as the product approaches the later stages of its lifecycle.

China records more than 350,000 new breast cancer cases each year, making it one of the world’s largest oncology markets.

Lilly continues global business expansion

The China agreement follows another significant transaction announced last month.

Lilly signed a licensing agreement worth up to US$1.26 billion with Hanmi Pharm to develop, manufacture, and commercialise the biologic drug candidate sonefpeglutide, a long-acting GLP-2 analogue, worldwide outside South Korea.

The agreement includes an upfront payment of US$75 million, with additional milestone payments and royalties linked to the programme’s future development and commercial success.