Hyderabad, Dec 29 (.) Mumbai-based drug major Lupin on Monday said it has entered into an exclusive licensing, supply and distribution agreement with China-based Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals to commercialise Bofanglutide, a novel fortnightly GLP-1 receptor agonist, in India.
The agreement strengthens Lupin’s diabetes portfolio and marks its entry into the fast-growing obesity treatment segment, the pharma company said in a release.
Bofanglutide, developed by Gan & Lee, is designed for adults with type 2 diabetes and for weight management in overweight and obese patients.
The injectable therapy is administered once every two weeks, compared with the weekly dosing of currently available GLP-1 drugs.
According to the companies, clinical data indicate that Bofanglutide delivers weight-loss outcomes comparable to or better than existing GLP-1 therapies, while maintaining a safety and tolerability profile consistent with the drug class. The less frequent dosing is expected to improve patient compliance.
India presents a large addressable market, with nearly 174 million adults overweight, around 50 million obese, and about 90 million people living with diabetes. Under the agreement, Lupin will have exclusive rights to market and distribute the product in the country.
Commenting on the development, Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lupin, said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on chronic metabolic diseases and its strategy to expand in the GLP-1 drug category.
Rajeev Sibal, President – India Region Formulations, Lupin, said the fortnightly dosing could reduce injections by 50% compared to weekly formulations, offering a meaningful advantage to patients.
Gan & Lee Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (EVP & CCO) Kai Du and Key Accounts Director, Dr Dhaval Soneji, said “ This new partnership with Lupin for the Indian market further underscores Gan & Lee’s rapid global strategic advancement. Our goal is to provide superior treatment options for patients with metabolic diseases worldwide, while showcasing the value of Chinese biopharmaceutical innovation on the global stage.” . KNR .