Mankind Pharma Limited (BSE: 543904 | NSE: MANKIND) and Innovent Biologics have announced a groundbreaking partnership to exclusively license and commercialize sintilimab, an advanced PD-1 immunotherapy, in the Indian market. This strategic collaboration aims to address the critical challenges in cancer treatment and improve patient access to innovative therapeutic options in the region.

Cancer has become a major health concern in India, with its burden projected to reach 29.8 million DALYs by 2025, according to The National Cancer Registry Programme¹. In response to this pressing challenge, the partnership between Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics offers a pivotal solution, aiming to tackle the rising incidence of cancer and improve patient outcomes across the country.

Sintilimab, marketed as TYVYT® (sintilimab injection) in China, is a high-quality PD-1 immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody co-developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly. Its mechanism of blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway reactivates T-cells, enhancing the body’s natural ability to target and eliminate cancer cells[i]. The drug has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety across multiple major cancer types with eight approved indications in China, including non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. TYVYT® (sintilimab injection), is one of the top therapy choices in immunotherapy, has already benefited millions of cancer patients since its launch in 2018. This versatile immunotherapy holds the potential to make a significant impact for oncology patients in India.

Under the agreement, Mankind Pharma will have exclusive rights to register, import, market, sell and distribute sintilimab in India. Innovent will oversee manufacturing and supply of the product, ensuring consistent availability and adherence to high-quality standards. Innovent will be eligible to receive upfront, regulatory and commercial milestone payments.

“Mankind Pharma is excited to partner exclusively with Innovent Biologics to launch sintilimab in India. This groundbreaking immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering new hope for patients battling a range of cancers. By bringing this innovative therapy to the Indian market, we are committed to improving patient outcomes and reinforcing our position as a leader in oncology. Mankind Pharma brings its extensive pharmaceutical expertise and expansive distribution network to this partnership, with a robust field force of 16,000+ personnel and over 13,000 stockists across India. This ecosystem will be crucial in ensuring widespread access to sintilimab across urban and rural markets. The partnership represents more than a commercial agreement – it’s a commitment to transforming oncological care in India, making innovative treatments available to a broader patient population,” shared Mr Atish Majumdar – Sr President – Sales & Marketing, Mankind Pharma Limited.

Dr. Samuel Zhang, Chief Business Officer of Innovent Biologics, stated: “Innovent is delighted to partner with Mankind Pharma to introduce our innovative PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab in India, providing new hope for patients battling various forms of cancer. Leveraging Mankind Pharma’s extensive network and deep expertise, we are confident that sintilimab will be rapidly accessible to patients across the country. Together, we are committed to advancing patient care in India by making cutting-edge treatments more accessible and affordable.”