Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Australian biotechnology company Immutep to commercialise its investigational immunotherapy, Eftilagimod Alfa (Efti), across markets outside North America, Europe, Japan and Greater China. The strategic collaboration is valued at up to USD 370 million, granting Dr. Reddy’s the rights to develop, register and market the molecule in the specified regions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Immutep will receive an upfront payment of USD 20 million, with the potential to earn an additional USD 349.5 million tied to regulatory and commercial milestone achievements. Immutep will retain global manufacturing responsibilities and supply Efti to Dr. Reddy’s for commercial distribution in licensed territories. The company will also receive double-digit royalties on future sales.

Eftilagimod Alfa is a first-in-class immunotherapy, a soluble recombinant LAG-3 protein designed to activate antigen-presenting cells—particularly dendritic cells—to generate a strong anti-tumour immune response. Unlike checkpoint inhibitors, which release immune system “brakes,” Efti acts by stimulating and amplifying immune activation.

The therapy is currently being evaluated in a pivotal Phase III trial (TACTI-004 / KEYNOTE-F91) for first-line treatment of advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. It is also under clinical investigation for multiple other cancers, including head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma. The United States Food and Drug Administration has granted Fast Track designation to Efti in recognition of its therapeutic potential.

M. V. Ramana, CEO of Dr. Reddy’s Branded Markets (India & Emerging Markets), noted that the collaboration strengthens the company’s capability to introduce innovative oncology treatments across emerging markets. Immutep’s leadership added that the partnership enables broader global access to Efti while allowing Immutep to retain rights in major commercial markets.