As part of a strategic effort to address the ever-increasing cancer burden in India, Mankind Pharma has partnered with Innovent Biologics to gain exclusive rights to market and sell Sintilimab, an innovative PD-1 immunotherapy. This is an effort to provide advanced cancer therapies to a broader population in India.

Key Highlights

1. About Sintilimab:

2. Sintilimab is sold in China as TYVYT by Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly

3. Sintilimab works through blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which reactivates T-cell function and allows it to recognize and kill cancer cells

4. It has received approvals for eight indications in China. It has received approval to be used to treat several different cancers including NSCLC, liver cancer, and Hodgkin's lymphoma

2.   Outcome of the Agreement:

• Mankind Pharma shall undertake registration, importation, marketing, and distribution of Sintilimab only in India.

• Innovent Biologics will handle manufacturing and quality control.

• This collaboration benefits from Mankind Pharma's vast distribution network of more than 13,000 stockists and 16,000 field representatives for broad penetration, including in rural areas.

  3.  Quotes from the Stakeholders:

• Atish Majumdar, Senior President, Mankind Pharma: Underlined the importance of their network for reaching urban and rural markets.

• Dr. Samuel Zhang, Chief Business Officer, Innovent Biologics: Said he is hopeful of offering new hope to Indian cancer patients.

  4. Tackling India's Cancer Problem:

• The National Cancer Registry Programme foresees a drastic increase in the number of cases, with an estimated 29.8 million DALYs by 2025.

• Sintilimab is introduced to address the challenge by providing cost-effective advanced immunotherapy for many types of cancer.

  5. Healthcare Implications:

• Access to Advanced Therapies: Sintilimab provides state-of-the-art treatment to Indian patients, filling some of the major gaps in the oncology market.

• Expanded Oncology Options: Its versatility in treating multiple cancers enhances the armory of options.

• Strengthened Distribution Networks: Mankind Pharma’s infrastructure ensures access even in remote areas.

• Cost Reduction: Mankind Pharma’s expertise could help reduce immunotherapy costs, making treatments affordable for more patients.

• Boost to Biopharma Collaboration: The partnership reflects India’s growing prominence in global healthcare collaborations.

A Leap Forward in Cancer Care:
The tie-up between Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics marks a new landmark in the Indian oncology space. This would improve accessibility and affordability for patients in the fight against cancer. This further fortifies India's place as one of the most promising destinations for global healthcare solutions and brings a glimmer of hope to patients fighting cancer.
The partnership fits with the goal of the nation toward innovative, high-class health solutions for the masses.