Avalon Pharma Signs Deal with Chinese Firm to Market Cancer Drug in Saudi Arabia & MENA

Saudi Arabia Forges New Partnership to Expand Access to Key Cancer Treatment

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – February 4, 2026 – A new commercialization partnership has been established to bring a biosimilar version of pembrolizumab, sold under the brand name Keytruda, to patients in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Bio-Thera Solutions and AVALON Pharma announced the agreement yesterday, marking a significant step in expanding access to critical oncology treatments.

The collaboration centers around BAT3306, Bio-Thera’s biosimilar of pembrolizumab. AVALON Pharma will hold exclusive rights to register and market the drug throughout Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. The agreement, spanning 15 years with renewal options, is projected to represent more than 5% of AVALON Pharma’s total revenue.

According to a statement released by AVALON Pharma, the partnership includes the potential for technology transfer, paving the way for the future localization of BAT3306’s manufacturing within Saudi Arabia. This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to strengthen its domestic pharmaceutical industry, as highlighted in Saudi Vision 2030.

The deal comes as Saudi Arabia actively seeks to attract global manufacturers and bolster its manufacturing base. A recent report from Astrolabs Insight notes that strong manufacturing foundations, market demand, and supportive government policies are making the Kingdom an increasingly attractive destination for regional and global expansion.

The anticipated financial impact of the partnership is substantial. AVALON Pharma forecasts that the agreement will generate additional revenue of at least 500 million Saudi Riyal throughout its duration, beginning in 2030. This influx of resources is expected to enhance access to vital cancer treatments and contribute to the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation goals.

The collaboration also reflects a growing trend of biopharmaceutical partnerships focused on the Saudi Arabian market. While historical data from 2016 indicates previous collaborations centered around cancer candidates, this latest agreement signifies a renewed commitment to bringing innovative therapies to the region. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) and Servier Saudi Arabia on January 24, 2026, further demonstrates this focus, specifically targeting rare diseases like glioma and related oncology fields.

Bio-Thera Solutions’ Gemma C. Played a key role in finalizing the agreement with AVALON Pharma, according to a LinkedIn post by Bert Thomas. The partnership represents a significant addition to Bio-Thera’s network of partners and underscores the company’s dedication to making its biosimilars available to patients worldwide.

The move to localize pharmaceutical manufacturing in Saudi Arabia is gaining momentum, with implications for the drug market and overall healthcare landscape. A study published in ScienceDirect highlights the benefits of free trade agreements between Saudi Arabia and other MENA countries in facilitating pharmaceutical innovation and access.