Glenmark partners with Pfizer to launch Abrocitinib in India

· Abrocitinib is the first-of-its-kind oral advanced systemic treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, to be made available in India.

· Abrocitinib provides rapid itch relief, sustained control of the disease and improved quality of life.

· Pfizer has received marketing authorization for abrocitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

· Glenmark and Pfizer will co-market abrocitinib in India under the brand names JABRYUS® and CIBINQO®, respectively.

Bangalore, February 01, 2024: Pfizer and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark) have joined hands to launch abrocitinib, a first of its kind oral advanced systemic treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), in India. Developed by Pfizer, abrocitinib has received marketing authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other regulatory agencies.

When launched in India, it will be co-marketed under the brand names JABRYUS® and CIBINQO® by Glenmark and Pfizer respectively. This collaboration combines the expertise of the companies to offer a groundbreaking treatment for moderate-to-severe AD, with improved efficacy and oral convenience to patients. Abrocitinib (CIBINQO) is available in over 35 markets globally, including the U.S., Japan, and China.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and skin barrier defects 1,2. The persistent itching associated with moderate-to-severe AD disrupts daily life, impacting social interactions, work productivity, and overall well-being. Abrocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, provides rapid itch relief, sustained disease control, and a vastly improved quality of life for patients3.

Meenakshi Nevatia, Country President and Managing Director of Pfizer India stated, “We believe in abrocitinib’s transformative potential. Its approval is a milestone in bringing high-quality treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in India, enabling patients to manage symptoms more effectively. Our collaboration with Glenmark will help leverage the collective strengths and capabilities of our organizations to make this breakthrough therapy available to patients and physicians across our country.”

Alok Malik, President and Business Head ‐ India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said, “We are excited to collaborate with Pfizer India for the launch of abrocitinib in the country. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in India has been reported to be increasing owing to changes in environmental factors with symptoms appearing during the initial years of life in around 80% of patients4. Being a leader in the dermatology therapy in India, this partnership will help us ensure availability of this effective treatment for the Indian patients suffering from moderate-to-severe AD; and further strengthen our position in the dermatology therapy space.”

Prevalence of AD in India

The prevalence of AD has been on the rise over the past three decades with an estimated prevalence of AD of about 10-20% in developed countries3. Approximately 5.9%5 of adults in India are affected by AD, of which 4.4%6 suffer from a severe form of this disease. The symptoms of AD like itching and lack of sleep, lay a significant burden on the patients and their caretakers, affecting multiple aspects including their quality of life and mental health3.