Glenmark discovers new biologic drug for cancer treatment

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd has discovered a new biologics entity (NBE) for the treatment of cancer that it plans to take through clinical trials. “Glenmark Pharmaceuticals SA (GPSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, has announced the discovery and initiation of IND (investigational new drug) enabling studies for a novel bispecific monoclonal antibody, GBR 1372, targeting EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor),” said the company in a press release. 

GBR 1372 adds to Glenmark's expanding oncology portfolio of biologics including GBR 1302 and GBR 1342 based on its proprietary BEAT (bispecific engagement by antibodies based on the T cell receptor) technology.

Glenmark scientists in Switzerland have demonstrated pre-clinically that GBR 1372 has the potential to target EGFR expressing cancer cells independent of RAS-family mutations which drive resistance to current EGFR targeting drugs.

Glenmark is likely to file an investigational new drug (IND) application with the US FDA for GBR 1372 in the second half of the next financial year FY 2018.

Glenn Saldanha, chairman and MD, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, said, "We remain excited about the progress of our novel biologics pipeline. With the addition of GBR 1372, the quality of our biologics pipeline continues to improve. We continue to make strides as we transition to a global innovation led pharmaceutical organisation."