Zydus Lifesciences completes acquisition of Agenus biologics manufacturing assets and launches Zylidac Bio LLC in the US
Friday, January 16, 2026
Zydus Lifesciences Limited has completed the acquisition of biologics manufacturing assets from Agenus Inc. following the completion of all required regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The transaction covers an Asset Purchase Agreement, Share Purchase Agreement and an exclusive Licensing Agreement between the two companies.
With this acquisition, Zydus strengthens its presence in the global biologics contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) market. The acquired manufacturing assets and operations will be brought under a new US-based subsidiary, Zylidac Bio LLC.
Zylidac Bio LLC will operate biologics manufacturing plants in the US and offer CDMO services to biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. The new subsidiary supports the growing focus on secure, domestic and high-quality supply chains for advanced biological therapies, while also enabling Zydus to expand its manufacturing and service capabilities for the international biopharmaceutical sector.
The launch of Zylidac Bio LLC comes at a time when the BIOSECURE Act, signed into law on 18 December 2025, limits US government agencies from working with certain biotechnology companies. By investing in a compliant, US-based manufacturing footprint in California, Zydus provides an option for global biopharmaceutical companies looking to shift their supply chains to approved domestic partners.
Earlier in 2025, Zydus announced the expansion of its Global BioCDMO Services through the acquisition of Agenus’ advanced biologics manufacturing plants in Emeryville and Berkeley, California. Under an exclusive manufacturing arrangement, Zydus will be the sole supplier of drug substance and drug product for Agenus’ Phase III immuno-oncology candidates, botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL). Zydus has also secured exclusive rights to commercialise BOT and BAL in India and Sri Lanka.
Source: prnewswire.com
