Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Pfizer India have announced a partnership to launch a new oral drug for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in India. The drug, abrocitinib, is the first of its kind in the country and has been approved by various regulatory agencies, including the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency.

What is atopic dermatitis and how does abrocitinib work?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that causes inflammation, itching, redness, and dryness of the skin. It affects about 5.9% of adults in India, of which 4.4% suffer from a severe form of the disease. The symptoms of AD can have a significant impact on the quality of life and mental health of the patients and their caregivers.

Abrocitinib is a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, which blocks the activity of a protein that is involved in the inflammatory response of the skin. By doing so, abrocitinib reduces the symptoms of AD, such as itching, swelling, and scaling. Abrocitinib also improves the skin barrier function and prevents infections and complications.

Abrocitinib is an oral tablet that is taken once daily. It has been shown to be effective and safe in clinical trials involving more than 2,500 patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Abrocitinib has also been compared with other treatments for AD, such as topical steroids and dupilumab, and has demonstrated superior or comparable results.

How will the partnership between Glenmark and Pfizer benefit the patients?

Glenmark and Pfizer will co-market abrocitinib in India under the brand names JABRYUS and CIBINQO, respectively. The partnership will leverage the expertise and capabilities of both companies to make the drug available and accessible to the patients and physicians across the country.

Glenmark is a leader in the dermatology therapy segment in India, with a portfolio of over 80 products and a network of over 20,000 dermatologists. Glenmark also has a strong presence in the rural and semi-urban markets, where the prevalence of AD is high.

Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical company that has developed and manufactured abrocitinib. Pfizer has a rich heritage and experience in the field of inflammation and immunology, with several innovative and breakthrough therapies in its pipeline. Pfizer also has a robust distribution and supply chain system in India, with a reach of over 50,000 pharmacies.

The collaboration between Glenmark and Pfizer will ensure that abrocitinib is made available to the patients at an affordable price and with a high quality standard. The companies will also conduct awareness and education programs for the patients and the medical fraternity, to increase the diagnosis and treatment of AD in India.

What are the other markets and achievements of abrocitinib?

Abrocitinib is available in over 35 markets globally, including the US, Japan, and China, under the brand name CIBINQO. India is the first country to get access to the drug through the partnership between Glenmark and Pfizer.

Abrocitinib has received several awards and recognitions for its innovation and impact. It has been named as one of the top 10 breakthrough therapies of 2023 by the Scrip Awards, and as one of the best inventions of 2023 by Time Magazine. It has also been granted the Breakthrough Therapy designation by the US FDA, and the Priority Medicines designation by the European Medicines Agency.

Abrocitinib is expected to transform the lives of millions of patients with moderate-to-severe AD, who have been suffering from the debilitating and distressing symptoms of the disease. Abrocitinib is the first oral advanced systemic treatment for AD in India, and will offer a convenient and effective option for the patients and the doctors.