Zydus Lifesciences Acquires Agenus Inc. Biologics Facilities and Establishes Zylidac Bio LLC

Zydus Lifesciences Expands with New Acquisition

Zydus Lifesciences Limited, a leading player in the life sciences sector, has successfully completed the acquisition of Agenus Inc.'s biologics manufacturing facilities. This strategic move not only marks a significant milestone for Zydus but also introduces a new subsidiary, Zylidac Bio LLC, based in the U.S.

On January 15, 2026, Zydus announced that the Asset Purchase Agreement, along with a Share Purchase Agreement and an exclusive Licensing Agreement with Agenus, has been finalized after receiving all required regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This acquisition positions Zydus within the competitive realm of global biologics contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMO).

Zydus' Managing Director, Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, expressed great optimism about this development. He stated, "With Zylidac Bio LLC, we will provide specialized biological manufacturing services that support biopharmaceutical companies around the world. This aligns with the demand for secure and quality supply chains in the U.S. for advanced therapies."

By establishing Zylidac Bio LLC, Zydus aims to facilitate a compliant and localized supply chain specifically tailored to biopharmaceutical innovators. This new subsidiary increases Zydus' capabilities in manufacturing and reinforces its commitment to the biopharmaceutical industry's evolving needs.

Agenus' Chairman and CEO, Dr. Garo Armen, also highlighted the significance of this partnership. He pointed out that the collaboration merges Agenus' innovative immunotherapy initiatives with Zydus' extensive operational scale and manufacturing proficiency. This move allows Agenus to capitalize on its manufacturing assets while ensuring that production capacity for their immuno-oncology candidates, Botensilimab (BOT) and Balstilimab (BAL), is met with high-quality standards in the U.S.

The establishment of Zylidac Bio LLC carries additional importance in light of the BIOSECURE Act, recently signed into law, which restricts U.S. executive agencies from entering contracts with certain biotechnology firms. By setting up a secure manufacturing footprint in California, Zydus provides an attractive option for biopharmaceutical companies seeking U.S.-based partners.

Earlier in 2025, Zydus announced its Global BioCDMO Services, underpinned by the acquisition of Agenus’ facilities in Emeryville and Berkeley. The agreement designates Zydus as the sole manufacturer for Agenus' drug candidates in Phase 3 development, complementing Zydus' existing rights to commercialize these assets in India and Sri Lanka.

In addition to this acquisition, Zydus has made moves to enhance its portfolio through an ongoing partnership with Formycon to commercialize a Keytruda® biosimilar (FYB206) in North America. Zylidac Bio LLC will serve as a foundation for a more agile and secure supply chain, fostering growth for both Zydus’ biosimilar and innovative drug portfolios.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Agenus’ biologics manufacturing facilities and the establishment of Zylidac Bio LLC represents a significant leap forward for Zydus Lifesciences. This initiative not only strengthens its position in the biopharmaceutical sector but also underscores its commitment to driving innovation while ensuring that supply chains cater to modern needs effectively.