Glenmark Collaborates with BeiGene to Introduce Oncology Medicines in India

On May 21, 2024, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd informed the stock exchanges that the company’s subsidiary, Glenmark Specialty S.A., made an exclusive marketing and distribution agreement with a global oncology company, BeiGene. As per the agreement, Glenmark will register and commercialise BeiGene’s oncology medicines, Zanubrutinib and Tislelizumab, in India.

Under this strategic partnership, Glenmark will be responsible for locally required development, registration and distribution, providing access to BeiGene’s innovative oncology medicines for cancer patients across India.

The company stated that India, with a population surpassing 1.43 billion, ranks as the world’s most populous country and the largest among lower-middle-income nations. This collaboration is opportune, given the rising cancer burden in many low- and middle-income countries, including India. Recent data reveals that India ranks third globally in terms of cancer cases, with projections indicating a potential increase to 2.08 million cases by 2040, an estimated 57.5% rise from 2020. Presently, cancer claims about 9,00,000 lives each year in India.

Although solid tumours continue to represent the majority of cancer diagnoses, the increasing prevalence of blood cancer is of significant concern, ranking third globally after the US and China. In India, a new blood cancer diagnosis occurs every five minutes, resulting in approximately 70,000 deaths annually. In light of this sobering reality, Glenmark envisages a future where accessible and efficient therapies offer hope to those in need.

Commenting on this partnership, the President and Business Head of India Formulations at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Alok Malik, said, “We are excited about our partnership with BeiGene, signifying our commitment to advancing healthcare in India. The addition of Tislelizumab and Zanubrutinib to our oncology portfolio underscores our dedication to the cancer patients’ community and our commitment to provide access to novel therapies across India.”

The Vice President and Head of Asia-Pacific at BeiGene, Adam Roach, said, “This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of enhancing healthcare access across Asia. We take great pride in advancing mission-driven access, especially given the significant disease burden in India, where rising cancer rates require comprehensive healthcare solutions – a commitment we share with our partners at Glenmark.”

On May 21, 2024, the share price of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd opened at ₹1,047.90, touching the day’s low at ₹1,030.50, as of 10:15 AM on the NSE.

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