Mankind Pharma And Innovent Biologics Forge Alliance To Transform Cancer Care In India With Sintilimab

Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics have entered into an agreement immunotherapy, in India. This collaboration aims to address India’s growing cancer burden and enhance patient access to innovative treatments.

Cancer poses a significant health challenge in India, with its burden projected to reach 29.8 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) by 2025, according to the National Cancer Registry Programme. By introducing sintilimab, the partnership seeks to offer a transformative solution for improving patient outcomes nationwide.

Sintilimab, marketed as TYVYT (sintilimab injection) in China, is a PD-1 immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody co-developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly. Its mechanism involves blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, reactivating T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells effectively. TYVYT has shown remarkable efficacy and safety across major cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, among others. Since its launch in 2018, the therapy has benefitted millions of cancer patients in China and is now poised to make a significant impact in India.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mankind Pharma will hold exclusive rights to register, import, market, and distribute sintilimab in India. Innovent Biologics will oversee the manufacturing and supply of the drug, ensuring consistent quality. The agreement also includes upfront, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments for Innovent.

Expanding Access to Innovative Cancer Therapies

Commenting on the collaboration,  Atish Majumdar, Senior President – Sales & Marketing at Mankind Pharma, said: “This partnership represents a major step forward in oncological care in India. Sintilimab’s innovative approach offers renewed hope for patients battling various cancers. By leveraging our extensive distribution network and field force of over 16,000 personnel, we are committed to making this therapy accessible across urban and rural markets. This partnership underscores our mission to transform healthcare by providing cutting-edge treatments to a broader population.”

Dr Samuel Zhang, Chief Business Officer of Innovent Biologics, remarked, “We are thrilled to join hands with Mankind Pharma to bring sintilimab to India. With Mankind’s vast network and expertise, we are confident in ensuring rapid accessibility for patients across the country. This collaboration aligns with our shared vision of improving patient outcomes by delivering innovative and affordable treatments.”