On January 15, 2026 Zydus Lifesciences Limited finalized its strategic acquisition of Agenus Inc.’s biologics manufacturing facilities in California, marking its official entry into the high-value global BioCDMO (Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) market.
To manage these assets, Zydus has launched Zylidac Bio LLC, a dedicated U.S.-based subsidiary that will serve as a “one-stop solution” for global biopharmaceutical innovators.
Deal Structure & Financial Details
The collaboration is valued at approximately $141 million and consists of several integrated components:
- Upfront Cash Payment: $75 million paid to Agenus for the transfer of the manufacturing facilities.
- Equity Investment: Zydus invested $16 million to purchase approximately 2.1 million shares of Agenus common stock (at $7.50 per share).
- Milestone Payments: Up to $50 million in contingent payments triggered by future production orders.
- Commercial Rights: Zydus secured exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Agenus’ lead immuno-oncology candidates, Botensilimab (BOT) and Balstilimab (BAL), in India and Sri Lanka.
The California Hub: Zylidac Bio LLC
The acquisition includes two state-of-the-art facilities located in a premier biotech cluster:
- Emeryville, CA: An 83,000-square-foot facility designed for commercial-scale manufacturing.
- Berkeley, CA: A 25,000-square-foot site optimized for clinical-stage manufacturing.
Strategic Advantage: By establishing a domestic U.S. footprint, Zydus is positioning itself as a “safe-harbor” for companies affected by the BIOSECURE Act (signed into law in December 2025), which restricts U.S. agencies from working with certain “Biotechnology Companies of Concern.” Zylidac provides a compliant, high-quality, domestic alternative for the U.S. supply chain.
Key Products: Botensilimab & Balstilimab
Zydus is now the sole manufacturing provider for Agenus’ Phase 3 candidates:
- Botensilimab (BOT): A next-generation multifunctional CTLA-4 antibody.
- Balstilimab (BAL): A PD-1 blocking antibody.
- Clinical Success: In 2025, the combination demonstrated a 21-month median overall survival in refractory colorectal cancer patients, significantly outperforming current standards of care.
| Metric | Detail |
| New Entity | Zylidac Bio LLC (wholly-owned by Zydus) |
| Manufacturing Role | Sole provider for Drug Substance & Drug Product for BOT/BAL |
| CDMO Scope | Pre-clinical, Toxicology, Clinical Development, and Commercial Production |
| Regional Focus | California (U.S.) operations with global service reach |
