INDIA – Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited (Glenmark) has introduced its unique I.V. injection formulation, AKYNZEO® I.V., for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in India.

Chemotherapy is the most common form of cancer treatment, with nausea and vomiting being two of its most debilitating side effects.

AKYNZEO® I.V. is a fixed-dose combination of fosnetupitant (235mg) and palonosetron (0.25mg) that helps prevent acute and delayed phases of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

It is the injectable version of Glenmark’s AKYNZEO® Oral Capsules, the first and only CINV prevention therapy to prevent both acute and delayed phases of CINV by a single dose.

Glenmark has already introduced its fixed I.V. antiemetic combination for the prevention of CINV in the European, the United States, and Australian markets.

The Indian company said that the first-of-its-kind injectable product for cancer patients in India would be administered as a single infusion 30 minutes prior to the start of each chemotherapy cycle.

Commenting on the launch, Alok Malik, EVP & Business Head ‐ India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., underscored: “At Glenmark, we are unwavering in our pursuit to help patients and clinicians in cancer care.”

He outlined that AKYNZEO® I.V. is a convenient, single‐dose, ready‐to‐dilute I.V. injection that covers both the acute and the delayed phases of CINV, thus enabling patients to avoid multiple antiemetic drugs, and improving compliance.

Moreover, Glenmark has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Helsinn, a Swiss biopharma group company, for the domestic sale of the ready-to-dilute I.V. injection for cancer patients.

Speaking on the strategic deal, Helsinn Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Giorgio Calderari said: “AKYNZEO® I.V would provide a new prophylactic option for patients in India, undergoing chemotherapy and who are at risk of CINV.”

He expressed his readiness to work with the Glenmark team who has an excellent footprint in the Indian region and is trusted with providing the best treatment options for cancer patients.

The partnership will build on Glenmark’s legacy of being the first to introduce new and effective prophylactic treatment options for CINV among cancer patients in India.

In addition, the Mumbai-based drug major has expanded its diverse portfolio in the oncology field with its fixed-dose combination drug launch for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Glenmark develops and commercializes a wide range of branded products in cancer supportive care therapy including Aprecap® (Aprepitant Capsules), the first NK1 receptor blocker, and Aprecap® I.V. injection.

Furthermore, the global pharmaceutical company has a presence across branded, generics, and over-the-counter segments; with a focus on therapeutic areas of respiratory, dermatology, and oncology.

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