GSK re-enters India’s cancer drug market

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals is re-entering India’s oncology market with the launch of Jemperli (dostarlimab) and Zejula (niraparib)— precision therapies indicated in the treatment of certain gynaecological cancers.

GSK had exited the oncology segment globally about a decade ago after selling most of its cancer portfolio to Novartis.

The launch of the drugs in India marks a pivot for the multinational company best known here for its medications in anti-infective, pain management, respiratory and vaccines.


GSK looks to rebuild its portfolio in oncology--a multi-billion dollar and rapidly expanding segment of the India pharmaceutical market--as a core growth driver in line with its global strategy of becoming a focused biopharmaceutical player.

“The idea is to build a significant oncology presence in India, not just commercially, but the impact we can have across cancer types, so that’s the stated intent,” Bhushan Akshikar, managing director of GSK India, told ET.

The two therapies--used in endometrial and ovarian cancers--will be imported and offered at tiered and competitive pricing, Akshikar said at a media meet on Monday.

“We are mindful of our commitment to Indian patients and will ensure that access and affordability will be at the core,” he said.

However, he declined to give specific pricing details. Jemperli requires less treatment cycles compared with some of the competitive brands, he said.

Gynaecological cancers are among the most common cancers in women in India and are on the rise.

Jemperli, a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, is approved globally as the first immunotherapy for endometrial cancer and is under study for head and neck, colorectal and lung cancers.

Zejula is a PARP inhibitor for ovarian cancer and offers a once-daily oral dose, making it a simple and convenient option.

To enable more patients to access the innovative therapies, GSK will have a patient assistance programme that will include financial assistance, counselling, diagnostic coupons for biomarker testing and possible EMI-based payment plans.

On the transformation roadmap for GSK, Akshikar said, “We are very proud of what we do in paediatirc vaccines or general medicines, but we want to build on the new growth platform to grow and pivot on the evolving healthcare needs, which is where oncology fits in.”

Globally, the company is pursuing a strategy of working closely in antibody drug conjugates, which Akshikar described as the “next holy grail within precision medicine”.

“The idea is how do we unlock all of that and create an accelerated access to many of these innovative medicines and vaccines in India at the right price points,” he said.

The India business has already taken steps in this direction. “Two and half years ago we launched the first adult vaccine in the area of shingles prevention. That was the first proof point of our commitment to bringing innovative assets into this country. Within that remit, the biggest contribution we now want to make is by accelerating the launch of our oncology assets,” Akshikar said.