BeiGene and NewBridge Pharmaceuticals FZ LLC Mutually Agree to Conclude BRUKINSA® (Zanubrutinib) Partnership in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) Region
BeiGene (NASDAQ: BGNE) and NewBridge Pharmaceuticals have agreed to end their partnership for BRUKINSA® (Zanubrutinib) in the MENA region, effective by March 31, 2025. This decision aligns with BeiGene's strategy to expand its direct operations in the area. The partnership, initiated in 2020, facilitated BRUKINSA's approval and market presence in multiple territories. From June 11, 2024, BeiGene will assume all customer-facing activities, including Medical Affairs, Commercial Operations, and Market Access, using an expanded regional team. The agreement marks a pivotal step in BeiGene's goal to enhance cancer treatment availability and support its global growth aspirations.
- Strategic expansion for BeiGene in the MENA region.
- Direct management of operations from June 2024 enhances control.
- BRUKINSA® approved and marketed in multiple territories.
- Transition planning ensures seamless continuation of services.
- Reinforcement of BeiGene's commitment to cancer therapy access.
- Potential short-term disruption due to transition of operations.
- Dependence on successful team expansion and infrastructure development.
- Possible financial strain due to costs associated with the transition.
Insights
From a clinical perspective, BeiGene's decision to assume direct control of operations in the MENA region could have significant implications for the availability and management of BRUKINSA® (Zanubrutinib). As an oncology doctor, it's important to note that direct control by BeiGene might lead to enhanced coordination in clinical trials, better quality control and potentially quicker implementation of new evidence-based practices. This shift could streamline processes, allowing for faster integration of new data into clinical settings, which is critical for cancer patients reliant on the latest treatments. However, it will be essential to monitor closely how the transition affects the continuity of care during the switch-over period from NewBridge to BeiGene.
The termination of the partnership between BeiGene and NewBridge Pharmaceuticals represents a strategic shift aimed at consolidating and potentially increasing BeiGene's market share in the MENA region. For investors, this decision signals BeiGene's confidence in its ability to manage operations independently, which might result in improved margins by cutting out the middleman. Financially, this could translate to reduced costs and increased revenues if managed efficiently. However, considering the MENA region's complex regulatory environments, this move could involve short-term financial strains related to the establishment of a direct operational presence. Watching BeiGene's financials over the next few quarters will be essential to gauge the efficacy of this strategic move.
From a market perspective, BeiGene's decision to directly manage its operations in the MENA region reflects a broader trend of pharmaceutical companies seeking to tighten control over their distribution networks. This direct approach can lead to better market penetration and brand loyalty as BeiGene can now tailor marketing strategies to the specific needs and preferences of the MENA market. It's important to note that the success of this transition will depend heavily on BeiGene's ability to understand and adapt to local market dynamics. The potential benefits include closer relationships with healthcare providers and stakeholders, which can enhance brand perception and product uptake in the long term.
The collaboration between the two companies began in 2020 and included sales, distribution, and commercialization activities for BRUKINSA® (Zanubrutinib) in the MENA region. As a result of the partnership, BRUKINSA has been approved by the health authorities in multiple territories and is currently marketed in several regions with additional approvals to come. The separation is well planned, with timelines determined on a country-by-country basis starting in June 2024 and completing by March 31, 2025. Whilst the distribution agreement has been agreed by the parties to terminate on March 31, 2025, all customer-facing activities will be taken over by BeiGene from June 11, 2024, including Medical Affairs, Commercial Operations and Market Access, with BeiGene utilizing the expanded team it is building in the region.
“NewBridge Pharmaceuticals has been an important enabler of our journey in the MENA region over the past five years, and we are grateful for their collaboration,” said Mohammed Al-Kapany, General Manager of the MENA region. “As we conclude this partnership, BeiGene remains committed to seamlessly transitioning to a direct operating model across the region, reinforcing our commitment to advancing cancer care and making our innovative treatments more accessible to patients. We look forward to building on the foundation laid during this time and advancing our global growth objectives.”
Hisham El Sayed, Executive VP & Regional Head of Commercial,
This strategic shift represents a significant milestone for BeiGene as it expands its global presence. By 2025, the company aims to achieve groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological cancers, reinforcing its dedication to providing cutting-edge cancer therapies worldwide. This move underscores BeiGene's commitment to delivering innovative and transformative treatments to cancer patients globally.
About BeiGene
BeiGene is a global oncology company that is discovering and developing innovative oncology treatments that are more affordable and accessible to cancer patients worldwide. With a broad portfolio, we are expediting development of our diverse pipeline of novel therapeutics through our internal capabilities and collaborations. We are committed to radically improving access to medicines for far more patients who need them. Our growing global team of more than 10,000 colleagues spans five continents. To learn more about BeiGene, , please visit www.beigene.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook.
About NewBridge Pharmaceuticals
NewBridge Pharmaceuticals is a regional specialty company with a comprehensive pharmaceutical platform of services and expertise, established to bridge the access gap and partner with global pharma and biotech companies to in-license and commercialize
For more information, please visit www.nbpharma.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240613697053/en/
For media inquiries contact - BeiGene:
Louise Carter
Email: louise.carter@beigene.com
Rosa Soto
Email: rosa.soto@beigene.com
For media inquiries contact – NewBridge Pharmaceuticals:
Misan Abu Rmaileh
Email: misan.aburmaileh@nbpharma.com
Vanessa Edmunds
Email: vanessa.edmunds@nbpharma.com
Source: BeiGene, Ltd.
FAQ
What is the significance of BeiGene and NewBridge concluding their partnership?
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How does the end of the BeiGene-NewBridge partnership impact BRUKINSA®?
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