Eli Lilly will license the manufacturing know-how for its rheumatoid arthritis treatment, Olumiant, to Egypt’s EVA Pharma.
The companies announced the agreement on Wednesday, aiming to localize the drug’s production across Africa.
EVA Pharma will supply Olumiant to 49 countries across the continent under the new deal.
This partnership builds on an existing collaboration between Lilly and EVA, which began in 2021.
In 2022, the two companies worked together to manufacture insulin in Africa.
Sales of locally produced Olumiant by EVA are expected to begin by 2026 in African markets.
Olumiant is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing hair loss.
Last year, Olumiant generated $922.6 million in global sales, underscoring its significance in Lilly’s portfolio.
The localization of Olumiant’s production in Africa aims to improve access to vital treatments for patients across the continent.
