Announcement Of Partnership Agreement For The Biosimilar Of Follitropin Alfa

Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Naoyuki Mochida; hereinafter “Mochida”) hereby announces that it has entered into an agreement with Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Jinan, Shandong Province, China; General Manager: ZHANG Hanchang; hereinafter “Qilu”) regarding the development and commercialization in Japan of Qilu’s biosimilar of follitropin alfa (genetical recombination) (hereinafter “the Product”). Under this agreement, Mochida will conduct development of the Product with the aim of obtaining marketing authorization in Japan. Mochida will collaborate with Qilu to achieve an early market launch.

Follitropin alfa is a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) used for purposes such as controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and ovulation induction in anovulatory and infrequent ovulation associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions. Mochida has positioned the field of obstetrics and gynecology as one of its key therapeutic areas, and the conclusion of this agreement will further advance Mochida’s initiatives in this domain. Additionally, Mochida has supplied biosimilars widely in Japan to date, including biosimilars of etanercept, teriparatide, adalimumab, and pegfilgrastim. Mochida positions biosimilars as one of its key business areas and continues to pursue further expansion of its portfolio. The Product represents Mochida’s first biosimilar in the field of obstetrics and gynecology and may offer a new treatment option for infertility.

Through this collaboration, Mochida and Qilu aim to contribute to improving patients’ quality of life by delivering the Product to the Japanese market. This partnership will further reinforce Mochida’s position as a leading company in the biosimilar field in Japan.

About Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Qilu Pharmaceutical, established in 1958, is now one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in China, involved in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Qilu currently has 12 subsidiaries, 11 domestic manufacturing sites, and over 38,000 employees worldwide. Qilu achieved sales of approximately USD 6 billion and ranked among the Top 3 companies in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry in sales in 2024.

Qilu operates six R&D centers across China and the United States, supported by a strong pool of over 5,200 scientists. To date, Qilu has launched approximately 350 products and has established a robust pipeline comprising over 80 innovative products, more than 20 biosimilars, and over 200 generic products.

In addition, Qilu has a total bioreactor capacity of 240,000 liters, enabling commercial-scale production of biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars. Dedicated to offering high-quality & trustworthy medicines to the world and improving people's well-being, Qilu is vigorously expanding its global presence. Its finished dosage forms and active pharmaceutical ingredients have been approved by regulatory authorities in multiple countries and regions. Qilu is currently exporting its products to over 100 countries and regions around the world. For more information, visit https://en.qilu-pharma.com/.