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Lotus acquires Alimta® (Pemetrexed) in Taiwan from Lilly

Lotus Pharmaceuticals (1795:TT, the “Company”), a multinational pharmaceutical company, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of the trademark, marketing authorization, and manufacturing know-how of Pemetrexed 100mg and 500mg under the brand name of Alimta® in Taiwan for US$62 million from Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”).

  • Lotus’s Board of Directors has approved the asset acquisition of Lilly’s Alimta® including the trademark, marketing authorization, and manufacturing know-how for the territory of Taiwan for US$62 million.
  • Alimta® is a leading branded product in Taiwan approved as a first-line treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer with 2021 sales of US$48 million according to IQVIA data. Lung cancer is among the top cause of death in Taiwan for decades with more than 15 000 new patients suffering from the disease
  • The acquisition enables Lotus to establish as a major player in oncology in Taiwan by adding a leading branded product to the existing portfolio of anti-cancer medicines and will enhance the penetration of its other products, including Zepzelca, Vinorelbine soft gel and Erlotinib.

Immediately upon closing the transaction, the Company will take over Alimta® business in Taiwan. The completion of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

Alimta® is indicated for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (“MPM”), and it is a first-line treatment for NSCLC with high brand loyalty. According to IQVIA data, the total sales of Alimta® in Taiwan for the last 12 months as of December 31, 2021 were approximately US$48 million, driven by the major hospitals and medical centers in Taiwan.

Lung cancer has been among the top cause of death in Taiwan for decades, making more than 15,000 patients suffer from the disease a year.

Lotus is committed to improving the quality of life of cancer patients by providing access to more treatment alternatives. The acquisition of Alimta® supports our mission and enables Lotus to become a leading player in oncology in one of its core markets in Asia. Lotus has been building during the last 6 years for a comprehensive portfolio in lung cancer drug market, including complex generics such as internall-developed Vinorelbine oral formulation and in-licensed NCEs such as Zepzelca® (lurbinectedin).

Petar Vazharov, Chief Executive Officer of Lotus

For further information visit Lotus website.