New Delhi, 10 June 2025: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a leading global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai, has announced the launch of Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) in India. This marks a significant milestone in the Indian oncology market, offering a promising new treatment option for patients suffering from blood cancers such as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The drug, developed by BeiGene, a global biotechnology company, has been made available in India through Glenmark’s strategic partnership and will play a pivotal role in improving cancer care standards across the country.
What is Brukinsa (Zanubrutinib)?
Brukinsa is a next-generation Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, which works by blocking the BTK protein that promotes the growth and survival of B-cell cancers. Unlike earlier-generation BTK inhibitors, Brukinsa has demonstrated higher selectivity and fewer side effects, making it a safer and more effective therapy for patients with certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The drug is approved by the USFDA, EMA, and regulatory authorities in over 65 countries, and now Indian patients can benefit from its availability.
Approved Indications in India: CLL and MCL
In India, Brukinsa has received approval for two key indications—chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). CLL is the most common leukemia in adults, and MCL is a rare but aggressive form of blood cancer. These diseases typically affect older adults and can significantly impact quality of life and survival. The introduction of Brukinsa in India comes as a much-needed treatment option for these patients, particularly those who have become resistant to previous therapies or cannot tolerate existing drugs due to adverse effects.
How Brukinsa Works: A Targeted Cancer Therapy
Brukinsa works by inhibiting BTK, a crucial enzyme in the B-cell receptor signaling pathway that is involved in the survival and proliferation of cancerous B-cells. By selectively targeting BTK, Brukinsa halts the progression of the cancer, reduces tumor size, and helps restore the body’s normal immune function. The drug is designed to have a favorable safety profile, with less off-target activity and fewer cardiovascular complications compared to first-generation BTK inhibitors like ibrutinib.
Global Clinical Trials and Efficacy Data
Brukinsa’s approval is backed by extensive clinical trials across different populations worldwide. In pivotal studies such as ASPEN, ALPINE, and BGB-3111-206, Brukinsa showed superior efficacy, longer progression-free survival, and a significantly lower incidence of adverse events compared to other BTK inhibitors. For example, in the ALPINE trial, Brukinsa demonstrated a higher overall response rate (ORR) and a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation compared to ibrutinib in CLL patients. These results have solidified Brukinsa’s place as a new standard of care in hematologic oncology.
Glenmark’s Commitment to Affordable Cancer Treatment
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has stated its commitment to making Brukinsa affordable and accessible to Indian patients. With the launch of this globally recognized drug, the company continues to expand its oncology portfolio, which already includes multiple targeted therapies for various types of cancers. Glenmark has also highlighted its intention to collaborate with oncologists, hospitals, and cancer centers to raise awareness, provide training, and ensure proper use of Brukinsa in the Indian clinical setting.
Why This Matters for India’s Cancer Burden
India faces a growing burden of cancer, with an estimated 1.5 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year and over 8 lakh deaths. Blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, are among the top ten most common cancers in India. Many patients in the country are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have limited access to cutting-edge therapies. The launch of Brukinsa provides a much-needed breakthrough in the treatment landscape, offering a new lease on life for patients who have exhausted other options.
Expert Reactions and Oncologist Views
Oncology experts in India have welcomed the launch of Brukinsa as a major development in hematologic cancer care. According to leading hematologists, the drug fills a critical gap in treatment and offers a better-tolerated and more effective alternative to existing therapies. Many specialists are optimistic that Brukinsa’s favorable safety profile will improve patient adherence, reduce hospitalizations due to side effects, and enhance overall survival outcomes in both CLL and MCL patients.
Patient Access Programs and Support Initiatives
To support the adoption of Brukinsa, Glenmark is expected to roll out patient support programs, including financial assistance, counseling, and educational campaigns to help patients and caregivers understand the benefits and usage of the drug. Such initiatives are essential to ensure that the drug reaches those who need it most and is used effectively in real-world clinical practice.
What’s Next: Expanding Cancer Care Innovation in India
The launch of Brukinsa is part of a larger trend of global oncology innovations entering the Indian market, thanks to partnerships between multinational pharma companies and Indian firms. Glenmark’s collaboration with BeiGene reflects a shared vision of bridging treatment gaps and bringing world-class therapies to developing nations. Going forward, Indian cancer patients may gain access to even more targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and personalized treatment options as part of this evolving landscape.
Conclusion: Brukinsa’s Arrival Signals a New Era in Oncology Treatment in India
With Glenmark’s launch of Brukinsa in India, a new chapter begins in the fight against blood cancers. This advanced, next-generation therapy offers better outcomes, fewer side effects, and renewed hope for thousands of patients. As awareness grows and adoption increases, Brukinsa is poised to become a game-changer in India’s cancer care ecosystem. Glenmark’s commitment to innovation, affordability, and patient support will be key in ensuring that this potentially life-saving drug reaches every corner of the country and delivers on its promise to transform cancer treatment in India.
