Mankind Pharma Limited (BSE: 543904 | NSE: MANKIND) has partnered with Innovent Biologics to exclusively license and commercialize sintilimab, a cutting-edge PD-1 immunotherapy, in the Indian market. This strategic alliance aims to address the growing burden of cancer in India by improving access to innovative treatments.
Cancer remains a significant health challenge in India, with its impact expected to reach 29.8 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) by 2025, according to The National Cancer Registry Programme. The collaboration between Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics seeks to combat the rising incidence of cancer and enhance patient outcomes through the introduction of this breakthrough therapy.
Sintilimab, marketed as TYVYT® in China, is a PD-1 immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody co-developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly. By blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, sintilimab reactivates T-cells, empowering the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The therapy has shown impressive efficacy and safety in treating multiple cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Since its 2018 launch in China, sintilimab has benefited millions of cancer patients and holds promise for significantly impacting oncology care in India.
Under the agreement, Mankind Pharma will hold exclusive rights to register, import, market, and distribute sintilimab in India, while Innovent Biologics will handle manufacturing and supply. Innovent will receive upfront, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments as part of the deal.
“We are thrilled to partner with Innovent Biologics to introduce sintilimab in India,” said Atish Majumdar, Senior President of Sales & Marketing at Mankind Pharma. “This advanced immunotherapy brings new hope to patients battling a range of cancers. With our extensive distribution network, robust field force of 16,000+ personnel, and over 13,000 stockists, we aim to ensure that this groundbreaking treatment is accessible across urban and rural areas alike. This partnership is not just a business venture but a commitment to transforming cancer care in India.”
Dr. Samuel Zhang, Chief Business Officer of Innovent Biologics, added, “Innovent is proud to collaborate with Mankind Pharma to bring sintilimab to India, providing new opportunities for cancer patients. Leveraging Mankind’s extensive network and expertise, we are confident that this innovative treatment will quickly become accessible to those in need. Together, we aim to make advanced oncology therapies both affordable and widely available, significantly improving patient care in the region.”
As per the press release, this partnership marks a major milestone in the fight against cancer in India, leveraging the strengths of both companies to bring transformative therapies to patients across the country.