WuXi Biologics and AstraZeneca Announce Strategic Collaboration for Local Manufacturing of Evusheld, a Long-Acting Antibody Combination for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of COVID-19

WuxiAugust 4, 2022PR Newswire -- WuXi Biologics (2269.HK), a global leading Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), today announced a strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca on the localized production in China of Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab, formerly known as AZD7442), a combination of neutralizing antibodies for COVID-19 prevention.

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 preventive neutralizing antibody combination drug received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the United States at the end of last year, was granted marketing authorization in the European Union and conditional marketing authorization in the United Kingdom in March this year, obtained conditional approval from the Hong Kong Department of Health in May, and passed special import approval via the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan in June for pre-exposure prophylaxis of the coronavirus. The drug has now been approved and is available in many countries worldwide.

Leo Wang, Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca PLC, President of International Business and China, stated:The Fight Against the Epidemic ContinuesAstraZeneca is pleased to join hands with its Chinese partners, guided by the vision of a common destiny for humanity, to add ‘acceleration’ to the fight against the pandemic. WuXi Biologics possesses an internationally competitive integrated biologics R&D and manufacturing service platform. We believe that its mature technical expertise and production capabilities will ensure the smooth progress of manufacturing and capacity supply of the combination of neutralizing antibodies for COVID-19 prevention in China, benefiting more immunocompromised individuals and those unsuitable for vaccination by providing them with additional protection. Having been deeply rooted in the Chinese market for nearly 30 years, AstraZeneca continues to be optimistic about the economic development prospects in China. We will continue to increase our investment in China, collaborate with local partners to build an open, collaborative, and globalized innovative healthcare ecosystem, bring benefits to a wide range of patients, and actively contribute to the realization of the ‘Healthy China 2030’ goals.

Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, stated: "Collaboration among global biopharmaceutical companies is crucial to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very pleased to partner with AstraZeneca to manufacture neutralizing antibody therapeutics for COVID-19 prevention in China, supporting the stable supply of this product. WuXi Biologics has extensive experience and strong capabilities in the industrialization of biologics. This further collaboration will rapidly enhance the localized production capacity of neutralizing antibody drugs, benefiting more people in need. We will also continue to enable global partners to accelerate the discovery, development, and manufacturing of biologics, bringing benefits to patients worldwide."

After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, WuXi Biologics has continued to empower its partners to accelerate the research, development, and production of anti-COVID neutralizing antibodies and vaccines, making a positive contribution to the global fight against the pandemic. A professional team of over 3,000 scientists was formed, leveraging leading technology, excellent timelines, strong operational records, and extensive project experience in the field of infectious diseases. The company supported more than 20 anti-COVID neutralizing antibodies in successfully obtaining 29 Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals, producing over 2,000 kilograms of monoclonal antibodies, benefiting millions of patients. WuXi Biologics alsoZengAs one of the major suppliers of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, WuXi Biologics has helped narrow the "immunization gap." By 2021, the vaccine substance produced by WuXi Biologics accounted for approximately 50% of AstraZeneca's supply to the global COVAX initiative.

About WuXi Biologics

WuXi Biologics (Stock Code: 2269.HK) is a global leading Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO). Through an open-access, integrated biologics technology and capability platform, the company provides end-to-end services to help partners discover, develop, and manufacture biologics, achieving the entire process from concept to commercial production. This accelerates the global biologics R&D process, reduces R&D costs, and benefits patients.

WuXi Biologics has over 10,000 employees across China, the United States, Ireland, Germany, and Singapore. With a professional service team comprised of these employees, along with exceptional technology and insights, the company provides clients with efficient and cost-effective biopharmaceutical solutions. As of the end of April 2022, WuXi Biologics has supported clients in developing and manufacturing a total of 526 integrated projects, including 9 commercial production projects.

WuXi Biologics considers Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) as an essential component of its business development and corporate spirit. It is committed to becoming an ESG leader in the global biopharmaceutical CRDMO field by applying greener, next-generation biopharmaceutical technologies and energy sources to drive industry advancement. The company has established an ESG committee led by the CEO to fully implement its ESG strategy and fulfill its commitment to sustainable development. For more information, please visit:www.wuxibiologics.com。

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