US Pharm. 2011;36(2):58.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals announced that it has signed a letter of agreement with Viropro, Inc., to develop a biosimilar version of the monoclonal antibody drug rituximab (Genentech/Roche). Worldwide sales of rituximab in 2009 in all indications, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic lymphoma, were approximately $5.6 billion.

“We are excited at the opportunity to develop our own proprietary biosimilar formulation of rituximab in anticipation of patent expirations for rituximab over the coming years,” said Rajesh C. Shrotriya, MD, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.