Glenmark introduces AKYNZEO I.V. to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd announced today the launch of AKYNZEO I.V, a drug used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, in India and Nepal through an exclusive licencing agreement with Helsinn, a Swiss biopharma company. AKYNZEO I.V. is a ready-to-dilute I.V. injection that contains a fixed dose combination of fosnetupitant (235 mg) and palonosetron (0.25 mg). It is given as a single infusion 30 minutes before the start of each chemotherapy cycle to help prevent both acute and delayed CINV. The drug is already available in the EU, the United States, and Australia.

As per the latest National Cancer Registry Programme data, cancer cases in the country are projected to rise by 12.8 per cent by 2025 from 13.9 lakh cases in 2020. In the light of this, Alok Malik, EVP & Business Head, India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said, “Chemotherapy is the most common form of cancer treatment, with nausea and vomiting being two of its most debilitating side‐effects. AKYNZEO I.V. is a convenient, single‐dose, ready‐to‐dilute I.V. injection that covers, both, the acute and the delayed phases of CINV, thereby enabling patients to avoid multiple antiemetic drugs, and improving compliance.”

Giorgio Calderari, CEO of the Helsinn Group, praised the injection formulation and stated that it will give chemotherapy patients in India who are at risk for CINV a new preventative option. We are excited to work with Glenmark, who has a strong presence in the area and is known for offering the best cancer treatment alternatives.