Glenmark and BeiGene Partner to Bring Novel Cancer Treatments to India
Cancer Treatment 
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, announced a significant partnership with BeiGene, a global oncology leader. This collaboration aims to improve access to advanced cancer treatments for patients in India.
Expanding Cancer Care Options
Through this exclusive marketing and distribution agreement, Glenmark’s subsidiary, Glenmark Specialty S.A., will register and commercialize two of BeiGene’s oncology drugs: Tislelizumab and Zanubrutinib. This addition to Glenmark’s existing portfolio reflects their commitment to providing Indian cancer patients with access to the latest therapeutic options.
A Shared Vision for Improved Healthcare
“This partnership signifies our unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare in India,” said Alok Malik, President and Business Head of India Formulations at Glenmark. He highlighted the importance of Tislelizumab and Zanubrutinib in bolstering their oncology offerings and ensuring wider access to novel therapies across the country.
Echoing this sentiment, Adam Roach, BeiGene’s Vice President and Head of Asia-Pacific, emphasized the shared vision of enhancing healthcare accessibility throughout Asia. He acknowledged the rising cancer burden in India and stressed the importance of comprehensive healthcare solutions, a commitment BeiGene shares with Glenmark.
Addressing India’s Growing Cancer Burden
The partnership couldn’t be more timely. India, like many developing nations, faces a rapidly escalating cancer burden. Statistics reveal that India has the third-highest number of cancer cases globally, with projections estimating a staggering 57.5% increase by 2040. Currently, cancer tragically claims nearly 900,000 lives annually in India.
Blood cancers are a particular cause for concern, with India ranking third globally in their prevalence, following only the US and China. A blood cancer diagnosis occurs every five minutes in India, resulting in an estimated 70,000 deaths each year.
Glenmark envisions a future where effective and affordable cancer treatments offer hope to those battling this disease.
Introducing Innovative Therapies
The agreement brings two promising drugs to the forefront:
- Tislelizumab: This is a uniquely designed monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, a protein that plays a role in immune response regulation. Tislelizumab’s design aims to minimize unwanted interactions, allowing the body’s immune system to effectively fight tumors.
- Zanubrutinib: This small molecule inhibitor specifically targets a protein called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), which plays a critical role in B-cell cancers. Zanubrutinib’s design offers sustained inhibition and improved bioavailability compared to other BTK inhibitors.
About BeiGene
BeiGene is a global oncology company dedicated to developing innovative and accessible cancer treatments for patients worldwide. This partnership with Glenmark represents a significant step towards achieving this goal in the Indian market.