Novartis set to launch chronic myeloid leukemia drug in India
NEW DELHI : Novartis India, the local arm of Swiss pharma giant Novartis AG, is in discussions to secure a distribution partner for the imminent launch of Asciminib, the first-in-class treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) targeting the ABL myristoyl pocket (STAMP), Amitabh Dube, the company's country president and managing director, said. “Innovative therapies introduced over the past two decades have revolutionized treatment for people with CML, a serious and life-threatening blood disorder. Novartis, known for developing targeted therapies for CML, is now launching Asciminib, the first CML treatment that works by specifically targeting the ABL Myristoyl pocket," Dube told Mint in an email interaction.
The company aims to launch the treatment in India before the end of the month, although specific details regarding partnership for the brand remain undisclosed. “We are preparing for the launch of Asciminib in India by this month. However, it is premature to comment on any partnerships for the brand in India," he added.
Chronic myeloid leukemia, also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia, is a type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. Annually, CML incidence in India is estimated at 0.8 to 2.2 per 100,000 population, lower than in the western nations. In leukemia, the most, common type is CML in India, accounting for 30% to 60% of all leukemia.
The drug is slated to be manufactured at Novartis' overseas manufacturing facilities and will be imported into India. The company, with its Sandoz business spin-off last year, lacks any manufacturing presence within the country. So, it intends to promote the drug through a partnership with an Indian pharmaceutical company possessing
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