Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a leading Indian drugmaker, has secured an exclusive license to develop and commercialize a novel cancer drug in several emerging markets. The drug, known as Envafolimab or KN035, is a subcutaneous injection of PD-L1 antibody that can be administered at home or in outpatient settings. Envafolimab is being developed by Jiangsu Alphamab Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. and 3D Medicines Inc., two Chinese biotech companies.
Under the license agreement, Glenmark will pay up to $700.8 million in upfront and milestone payments, as well as royalties on net sales, to the licensors. Glenmark will have the rights to Envafolimab in India, Asia Pacific (except Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia), the Middle East and Africa, Russia, CIS and Latin America. The licensors will retain the rights to manufacture and supply the drug, as well as to develop and commercialize it in other regions.
Envafolimab is a first-in-class PD-L1 antibody that can be injected under the skin, unlike most other immunotherapy drugs that require intravenous infusion. This makes it more convenient and accessible for cancer patients, especially in regions where healthcare resources are limited. Envafolimab has shown promising results in clinical trials for various types of cancers, such as colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and microsatellite instability-high tumors.
Dr. Ting Xu, Chairman and CEO of Alphamab Oncology, said, “This collaboration holds significant importance for the continued advancement of Envafolimab. Leveraging Glenmark’s robust development and commercialization capabilities, we are confident that Envafolimab will reach a substantial number of patients in the specified territory, especially in regions where cancer patients face underserved conditions.”
Dr. Gong Zhaolong, Chairman and CEO of 3D Medicines, said, “We are very pleased that Envolizumab can help more cancer patients. This cooperation is good news for more cancer patients. In a wide range of emerging markets, patients need more convenient and innovative treatments.”
Glenmark’s President and Chief Business Officer Robert Crockart said, “We are delighted to partner with Alphamab Oncology and 3D Medicines for this breakthrough innovation that has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for cancer patients across the world. This partnership is aligned with our vision to bring innovative therapies to patients in need and reinforces our commitment to oncology as a key growth driver for Glenmark.”