Glenmark and Helsinn Group to Anti-Nausea Drug in India and Nepal

Mumbai-based Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Switzerland’s Helsinn Group, have announced that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to introduce Akynzeo, an oral fixed combination of netupitant (300-mg) and palonosetron (0.5-mg) in capsule form in India and Nepal. The drug is used for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

The licensing agreement represents Helsinn’s first such agreement in India, and Glenmark will have exclusive marketing rights for the drug in India and Nepal. Glenmark has received marketing approval for it from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Akynzeo is the first and only combination anti-emetic prophylaxis with high complete response rates for five days in cancer chemotherapy treated patients. Delayed nausea is still a problem for up to 82% of patients receiving MEC (Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy) and HEC (Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy), representing a significant unmet medical need.