In a groundbreaking move to address the growing cancer burden in India, Mankind Pharma Limited (BSE: 543904 | NSE: MANKIND) has partnered with Innovent Biologics to exclusively license and commercialize sintilimab, a cutting-edge PD-1 immunotherapy. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize cancer treatment in India, providing patients with access to advanced immunotherapy options that could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Cancer has become one of the most pressing health issues in India, with projections indicating the burden will reach 29.8 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) by 2025, according to The National Cancer Registry Programme. This alarming rise has underscored the urgent need for innovative treatments, and the partnership between Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics is poised to address this challenge head-on.

Sintilimab, marketed as TYVYT® (sintilimab injection) in China, is a PD-1 immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody co-developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly. It works by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which reactivates T-cells, enhancing the body’s natural ability to target and destroy cancer cells. The drug has already shown remarkable efficacy and safety across various cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, and Hodgkin's lymphoma, with eight approved indications in China. Since its launch in 2018, TYVYT® has benefited millions of cancer patients and is considered one of the leading therapies in immunotherapy.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mankind Pharma will have exclusive rights to register, import, market, sell, and distribute sintilimab throughout India. Innovent will handle the manufacturing and supply of the product, ensuring high-quality standards are met. As part of the collaboration, Innovent will receive upfront, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments.

"Mankind Pharma is excited to partner exclusively with Innovent Biologics to launch sintilimab in India," said Mr. Atish Majumdar, Senior President – Sales & Marketing at Mankind Pharma Limited. "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. Our robust distribution network, which includes over 13,000 stockists and a field force of 16,000+ personnel, will be critical in ensuring widespread access to sintilimab across both urban and rural areas of India. This partnership represents more than just a commercial agreement; it's a commitment to transforming oncological care in India."

Dr. Samuel Zhang, Chief Business Officer of Innovent Biologics, commented, "Innovent is delighted to partner with Mankind Pharma to introduce sintilimab in India, offering new hope to cancer patients. We believe that Mankind Pharma’s vast network and deep expertise will ensure that sintilimab becomes rapidly accessible to patients across the country. Together, we are dedicated to advancing patient care by making this cutting-edge treatment more accessible and affordable."

This collaboration is a pivotal step in addressing India's cancer care challenges and represents a significant leap forward in improving the quality of life for cancer patients. By making sintilimab available, Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics aim to bring about transformative change in the Indian oncology landscape.