Swiss giant Novartis (NYSE: NVS) entered into a promotion agreement with China-based Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd, handing the latter commercial promotion rights to its Gleevec (imatinib) and Exjade (deferasirox) in China. The tie-up will explore innovative business cooperation models, make use of domestic third-party commercialization platforms to maximize the accessibility of both products in the country. No financial details were disclosed.
Gleevec: Background and Indications
Gleevec, the first anti-cancer drug targeting the tumorigenesis mechanism, is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The drug was first approved to treat CML in China in 2002, and for unresectable and/or metastatic GIST one year later. It is also recommended as an auxiliary treatment of GIST post-surgery, an indication approved in 2010.
Exjade: Background and Indications
Exjade, meanwhile, is used to treat patients with iron accumulation due to long-term blood transfusion (such as Mediterranean anemia or other rare anemia), and is suitable for children and adults over two years old. The drug, approved and commercialized in China from 2010, obtained a market nod in the country for use in chronic iron overload in patients aged 10 years and older with transfusion-independent thalassemia syndrome in 2018.-Fineline Info & Tech
