Glenmark Pharma Launches Anti‐Diabetic Biosimilar in India

The launch follows the approval by the central drug authority, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), for commercialing in the Indian Market. The biosimilar is introduced under the brand name 'Lirafit'.

Leading pharma player, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd has launched a biosimilar of the popular anti‐diabetic drug, Liraglutide, for the first time in India.

Liraglutide, classified as a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) drug, is recognised for its ability to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduce inappropriate glucagon secretion.

The launch follows the approval by the central drug authority, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), for commercialing in the Indian Market. The biosimilar is introduced under the brand name 'Lirafit'.

Further, it is set to be priced at INR 100 for a standard daily dose of 1.2mg. This pricing strategy reflects a noteworthy 70% reduction in therapy costs and is available exclusively with a prescription.

Expressing his thoughts, Alok Malik, president and business head ‐ India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, said, "Glenmark is proud to introduce Lirafit, a novel and affordable biosimilar of the drug liraglutide, for the first time in India. Clinical trials have shown that it helps improve glycemic control in adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients along with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and obesity.”

Globally approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus in adult patients, Liraglutide has secured regulatory clearances in both the United States and the European Union.

Additionally, clinical trials have demonstrated that Liraglutide not only effectively treats Type 2 Diabetes mellitus but also yields positive impacts on cardiac and renal safety outcomes, reinforcing its efficacy as a preferred treatment for patients.

Founded in 1977, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is a generic drug and active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturer. The company initially sold its products in India, Russia, and Africa. Currently, it has a presence in over 80 countries.

On September 23, Indian CPG company Nirma acquired Glenmark’s API unit Glenmark Life Sciences with a deal valued at INR 5,651.5 Cr, or INR 615 per share.

This acquisition marks Nirma's entry into the API sector, expanding its pharmaceutical portfolio, which includes injectables, parenterals, and ophthalmic products, making it the company's biggest bet in the pharmaceutical sector.

In terms of ownership, Glenmark Pharma's stake in the leading API platform decreased from 82.84%. to 7.84%. However, Glenmark Pharma will procure APIs from GLS for a period of five financial years with effect from April 1, 2024

Shares of Glenmark were trading 0.33% higher at INR 900.85 per share at 10:55 am on January 4th, 2024.