Eli Lilly inks licensing deal to expand Olumiant access in Africa

Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) announced on Wednesday an agreement with Egypt-based EVA Pharma to license certain manufacturing know-how related to its JAK inhibitor Olumiant (baricitinib) for Africa.

Following the deal, Haram, Giza-based EVA Pharma will manufacture and supply baricitinib across 49 low- to middle-income countries in Africa, serving an estimated 20,000 people. Sales of its locally manufactured baricitinib are set to begin by 2026.

The deal, identified as a voluntary licensing agreement, is part of the Indiana-based pharma giant’s 30×30 initiative, which aims to widen healthcare access to 30M people living in resource-scarce regions annually by 2030.

In 2022, the duo collaborated to expand insulin access to at least 1M patients living in lower income countries, mostly in Africa.

Indicated for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and COVID-19, baricitinib is a collaboration between Eli Lilly (LLY) and Incyte (INCY).