Celltrion has doubled down on its alliance with Rani Therapeutics for oral pill versions of biosimilars by adding adalimumab to an existing collaboration covering ustekinumab.

Having previously an agreement with BioFactura to assess the company’s proposed ustekinumab biosimilar with its RaniPill oral drug delivery technology, Rani has now unveiled a deal with Korean major Celltrion for use of its CT-P43 Stelara biosimilar candidate.

Following two record-breaking years for biotech fundraising, stock valuations are heading downwards. Biopharma executives and industry experts surveyed by Scrip anticipate big pharma executing more deals and acquisitions in 2022.

BioFactura, which is already using its ‘StableFast’ technology platform to develop its biosimilar ustekinumab candidate, has allied with fellow US-based biotech Rani Therapeutics to see if the biologic can be formulated into Rani’s proprietary ‘robotic’ pill.