Glenmark Enters Oncology With Discovery of New Molecule
Indian Pharma company, Glenmark has entered oncology with the discovery of GBR 1302, a potential antibody-based therapy for ovarian and breast cancers.
GBR 1302, a bispecific antibody, was discovered and developed by Glenmark’s biologics research center in Switzerland, and is the first drug candidate to utilize Glenmark’s proprietary BEAT platform technology. This platform allows for the production of previously problematic molecules.
According to a Glenmark press release, “For the last 20 years, bispecific antibodies have been a challenge to the industry because all bispecific formats developed so far have had stability or manufacturing issues. With the invention of BEAT technology, Glenmark’s scientists have now overcome these bottlenecks.”
Glenmark hopes to obtain FDA approval for clinical studies and initiate research for GBR 1302 this year.
Michael Buschle, the company’s CSO, said, “GBR 1302 is significant for Glenmark on multiple levels as it is our first bispecific antibody and it represents the entry of Glenmark into the oncology innovator space, which has a huge commercial potential.”
Glenmark started as a generic drug manufacturer and slowly integrated research and discovery into their business model. LiveMint reports that Buschle is largely responsible for this initiative, which subsidizes smaller research endeavors for licensing income in Switzerland with mass market generic drug manufacturing in India. This model takes advantage of both India’s size and low cost and Switzerland’s clear policies and regulations. It’s all a part of what Buschle calls a “conscious decision to make the business sustainable” and so far, he seems to be correct.
In addition to GBR 1302, biologic entities, Glenmark has also developed chemical entities. Crofelemer, a gastro-intestinal treatment for HIV-associated Diarrhea was licensed by Napo Pharma. Glenmark is also collaborating with Forest Laboratories in the development of treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions.
In July, Glenmark announced the construction of a new manufacturing facility in North Carolina, which will manufacture oral solids, injectables, and topicals over a five year period. This facility will be Glenmark’s first in North America