BRIEF—Glenmark launches in-licensed CINV drug in India

Under an exclusive licensing agreement with Swiss drugmaker Helsinn signed in April this year, Indian drugmaker Glenmark Pharmaceuticals today announced the launch of Akynzeo, a fixed combination of netupitant 300mg and palonosetron 0.5mg, for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), on to the Indian market.

The product has been developed by Helsinn and Glenmark has exclusive marketing rights for Akynzeo in India and Nepal.

“Oncology is a key area of focus for Glenmark, and we are committed to bringing in new treatment options for Indian patients. Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy has a significant impact on quality of life of cancer patients that can influence a patient’s adherence to the treatments being undertaken. Akynzeo is a convenient single-dose for each chemotherapy cycle oral capsule with an activity that covers both the acute and delayed phase of CINV, avoiding multiple drug antiemetic options and thereby improving patient compliance,” said Sujesh Vasydevan, president, Indian formulations, Middle East and Africa, at Glenmark.