Innovent Secures Exclusive China Rights to Lilly’s Verzenios

Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly have entered a distribution and promotion agreement granting Innovent exclusive commercialization rights for Verzenios (abemaciclib) in mainland China. Under the agreement, Innovent will oversee product importation, marketing, distribution, and promotion, while Lilly will remain the marketing authorization holder (MAH) and continue to manage manufacturing, product supply, and ongoing development.

The agreement strengthens a long-standing collaboration between the two companies and is expected to broaden patient access to Verzenios, a widely used targeted therapy for hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), HER2-negative breast cancer.

Verzenios Plays a Key Role Across Early and Advanced Breast Cancer

Verzenios is an oral cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitor that blocks tumor cell proliferation by preventing progression through the cell cycle. CDK4/6 inhibitors have become a cornerstone of treatment for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, helping delay disease progression and reduce the risk of recurrence when combined with endocrine therapy.

In China, Verzenios is approved for multiple indications, including:

• Adjuvant treatment of adults with HR-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence in combination with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor.
• First-line treatment of HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with an aromatase inhibitor in postmenopausal women.
• Treatment after endocrine therapy progression in combination with fulvestrant.
• Treatment of ESR1-mutated advanced breast cancer in combination with imlunestrant for adults with ER-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic disease previously treated with endocrine therapy.

Verzenios became the first CDK4/6 inhibitor included in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) Class B in 2021. Its reimbursement status was renewed in 2025, providing nationwide coverage for both early-stage and advanced breast cancer indications.

Commercial Partnership Builds on Established Collaboration

The agreement represents the eighth collaboration between Innovent and Lilly. With Verzenios, Innovent’s commercial portfolio now includes 19 marketed products, seven of which originate from its partnership with Lilly.

Innovent plans to leverage its established oncology commercialization infrastructure and nationwide market presence to improve treatment availability across China. Lilly will continue advancing clinical development while maintaining manufacturing quality and supply continuity.

Dr. Michael Yu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Innovent Biologics, said the agreement further strengthens the company’s long-standing partnership with Lilly and expands Innovent’s presence in breast cancer, a strategic focus within its oncology portfolio. He added that Verzenios’ established clinical efficacy, broad approved indications, and nationwide reimbursement coverage would help improve patient access while supporting Innovent’s oncology growth in China.

Huzur Devletsah, Lilly Group Vice President and General Manager for China, said the collaboration combines Lilly’s global oncology research and development expertise with Innovent’s strong commercialization capabilities in China. He noted that Lilly remains committed to expanding access to innovative cancer therapies and will continue advancing its oncology portfolio in China through new medicines and additional approved indications.

Regulatory Path

The agreement allows both companies to focus on their respective strengths, with Innovent leading commercialization and Lilly continuing product development. As targeted therapies become increasingly integrated into breast cancer care, broader commercial access to Verzenios could help more eligible patients benefit from guideline-supported treatment across mainland China.

 Reference

Innovent Biologics and Lilly Enter into Commercialization Agreement for Verzenios® (abemaciclib) in Mainland China