Ranbaxy Laboratories, India's biggest drug maker, said it is partnering US drug firm BioPro Pharmaceuticals Inc, to sell the latter’s brain tumor drug Gliadel Wafer in the country.
Though there is very limited data available on the incidence of brain tumors in India, the company said the estimated prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in India is 2-5 new cases per 1,00,000 per year.
The tumor, which Giladel targets, accounts for about 60-65 per cent of these primary brain tumors. The company did not give the revenue implications of the deal.
Earlier this year, Ranbaxy had announced a similar deal with European biotech firm CD Pharma to market its probiotic dental medicine Inersan in India and Nepal. In-licensing is one of the emerging trends among leading domestic drug firms like Ranbaxy to make effective use of its strong marketing network.
Commenting on the development, Sanjeev I Dani, senior vice president & regional director, Asia & CIS, Ranbaxy said: "We are pleased to bring this lifesaving, high technology product to Indian patients. We are working with BioPro to create a productive relationship by complementing each other’s strengths. The licensing agreement, and subsequent launch approval, should enable Ranbaxy to further strengthen its position in the oncology segment.”
“We are pleased with the professional and rapid processing of our regulatory application of Gliadel by the Drug Controller General India’s Office,” reported Peter Huang, chairman and CEO of BioPro.
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“We have an excellent product in Gliadel and excellent partners in Eisai Inc. and Ranbaxy India. Now, so many brain cancer patients in India will have access to an excellent therapy option.”
Gliadel Wafer is indicated in newly diagnosed patients with high-grade malignant glioma as an adjunct to surgery and radiation. It is also indicated in recurrent glioblastoma multiforme patients as an adjunct to surgery.
Gliadel is the only US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved chemotherapeutic implant for use during surgical resection, providing localized delivery of chemotherapy directly into the cavity created when a brain tumor is removed during surgery.