Glenmark Forges Major Oncology Alliance with Hengrui for Advanced Cancer Therapy

In a landmark move set to reshape the landscape of cancer treatment, Glenmark Specialty SA (GSSA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., has announced a strategic licensing agreement with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. This pivotal collaboration grants GSSA exclusive global rights, excluding Greater China, for the development, registration, and commercialization of trastuzumab rezetecan (GBR 1303).

Trastuzumab rezetecan is a cutting-edge antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target HER2-positive cancers, which include aggressive forms of breast and gastric cancers.

ADCs represent a revolutionary class of therapeutics, functioning like 'guided missiles' that deliver potent chemotherapy agents directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. GBR 1303 is currently in late-stage clinical development, with Phase 3 trials underway, indicating its promising potential to address significant unmet medical needs.

This agreement underscores Glenmark's steadfast commitment to expanding its oncology pipeline and bringing innovative, life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.

"This agreement marks another significant step in our journey to build a robust oncology pipeline and address critical unmet needs in cancer care," stated Glenn Saldanha, Chairman and Managing Director of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. "Trastuzumab rezetecan has the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients with HER2-positive cancers, and we are excited to partner with Hengrui, a company renowned for its R&D prowess."

Under the terms of the agreement, Glenmark will make an upfront payment to Hengrui, followed by future milestone payments tied to development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization successes.

Additionally, Hengrui will be eligible to receive royalties on net sales. This financial structure reflects the shared confidence in the therapy's future success and its potential market impact.

The global oncology market continues to grow, driven by an aging population and advancements in personalized medicine.

HER2-positive cancers, while targetable, still present significant challenges, and novel ADCs like trastuzumab rezetecan offer renewed hope. Dr. Jianshan Zhang, President of Global Business Development at Hengrui Pharma, expressed his optimism, saying, "We are delighted to partner with Glenmark, a company with a strong track record in developing and commercializing specialty products.

This collaboration will help us accelerate the global reach of trastuzumab rezetecan and ultimately benefit more patients around the world."

This strategic alliance is poised to accelerate the development and global accessibility of GBR 1303, offering a beacon of hope for patients grappling with HER2-positive malignancies and further solidifying Glenmark's position as a key player in the global oncology therapeutic space.