GBR 500 is an antagonist of the VLA‐2 (alpha2‐beta1) integrin. It is a first‐in‐class therapeutic monoclonal antibody and has established proof of concept in animal models across a range of anti‐inflammatory conditions. Glenmark has completed Phase I dosing of GBR 500 in the US and the drug has been well tolerated with a good pharmacokinetic profile. Plans are in place to initiate clinical proof of concept studies in Crohn’s Disease. Sanofi has licensed the rights to all therapeutic indications.
“There continues to be a strong medical need for safer and more efficacious products for the treatment of Inflammatory Diseases,” said Elias Zerhouni, M.D., President, Global Research & Development, Sanofi. “GBR500 brings an innovative approach to Sanofi’s Immuno‐Inflammation portfolio, which we believe may address a significant gap in treating Inflammatory Diseases which would be of huge benefit to patients”.
According to Glenn Saldanha MD and CEO of GPL, “This collaboration on a novel first‐inclass monoclonal antibody validates Glenmark’s world‐class innovative R&D capabilities in the drug discovery arena. We are pleased to have this second licensing collaboration with Sanofi, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world and the first one from Glenmark in the field of novel biologics”.
Dr. Michael Buschle, President Biologics for Glenmark commented, “The focus for the Switzerland biologics R&D centre has been to discover and develop exciting novel monoclonal antibodies for the potential treatment of inflammatory and oncology conditions.This deal is a testimony to the strong biologics platform that Glenmark has established in a relatively short frame of time.”
About Glenmark
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (GPL) is a research-driven, global, integrated pharmaceuticalcompany headquartered at Mumbai, India. It is a leading player in the discovery of new molecules, both NCEs (new chemical entity) and NBEs (new biological entity). Glenmark has eight molecules in various stages of clinical development and is primarily focused in the areas of Inflammation [asthma/COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, etc.] and Pain [neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain].
The company has a significant presence in branded generics markets across emerging economies including India. GPL along with its subsidiary has twelve manufacturing facilities in four countries and has five R&D centres.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi is listed in Paris and in New York.
