Glenmark expands its oncology franchise in India with launch of Helsinn's Akynzeo

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Swiss pharma group Helsinn today announced the launch of Akynzeo, a fixed dose combination drug for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, in India.

The drug has been launched in the Indian market under an exclusive licensing agreement, the companies said in a joint statement.

The product has been developed by Helsinn and Glenmark has exclusive marketing rights for it in India and Nepal, it added.

Helsinn is focused on helping people with cancer get the best out of every day and is pleased to be expanding its availability, said Helsinn Group Vice Chairman and CEO Riccardo Braglia.

"Akynzeo is a single-dose oral capsule for each chemotherapy cycle that covers both the acute and delayed phase of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)," Glenmark President India Formulations, Middle East and Africa Sujesh Vasudevan said.

The product is already being marketed in the EU, the US and several other leading markets of the world, the statement said.

Shares of Glenmark were trading at Rs 582.50 per scrip on BSE, up 0.09 per cent from the previous close.