Actimed Therapeutics, a UK-based clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company, has announced a strategic licensing agreement with Mankind Pharma, one of India's leading pharmaceutical companies, to develop and commercialize treatments for cancer cachexia across South Asian markets. The partnership grants Mankind exclusive territorial rights to Actimed's cachexia treatment portfolio in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Lead Asset Advances to Late-Stage Development
The licensing agreement centers on S-pindolol benzoate (ACM-001.1), Actimed's lead candidate that the company plans to advance into Phase 2b/3 clinical development for cancer cachexia. The compound functions as an anti-catabolic and pro-anabolic transforming agent (ACTA), targeting multiple pathways that drive cancer cachexia. Previous Phase 2a proof-of-concept data from the ACT-ONE Trial demonstrated promising results in cachexia patients, and ACM-001.1 has achieved Investigational New Drug (IND) status from the FDA.
Under the agreement terms, Mankind will assume responsibility for all associated development, manufacturing, sales, and marketing costs within the licensed territories. The license encompasses Actimed's patents, know-how, and future related patents, enabling Mankind to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the products under its own trademarks specifically for cachexia treatment and prevention.
Addressing Critical Unmet Medical Need
Cancer cachexia represents a significant clinical challenge with substantial mortality implications. According to the companies, cachexia affects a significant number of cancer patients and is estimated to be responsible for up to 20% of all cancer deaths. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that cachexia was associated with an 82% higher relative risk of mortality in patients with non-small cell lung cancer compared to those without cachexia.
"Cachexia is a debilitating condition for which there are currently no globally approved therapies," said Robin Bhattacherjee, Actimed CEO. "By combining the Actimed cachexia product pipeline with Mankind's strong development and commercial capabilities in its key markets, we are taking a major step forward in our aim to deliver meaningful treatment options to cachexia patients globally."
Strategic Partnership Leverages Market Expertise
The collaboration builds on an existing relationship, as Mankind Pharma is already a shareholder in Actimed. Atish Majumdar, Senior President (Sales & Marketing) at Mankind Pharma and Non-Executive Director at Actimed, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership: "Mankind has been a long-term supporter and shareholder of Actimed, and we are proud to deepen our partnership through this strategic licensing agreement. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovative therapies and improving the lives of patients affected by cachexia across the Indian subcontinent."
Mankind Pharma operates one of India's largest pharmaceutical networks, with a field force of over 17,700 professionals reaching more than 500,000 doctors across urban and rural markets. The company maintains 32 manufacturing facilities in India and has established expertise across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology support care.
Broader Pipeline Development
Beyond the South Asian licensing agreement, Actimed continues to develop its broader cachexia treatment portfolio. The company also owns global rights to S-oxprenolol (ACM-002), which is being developed for muscle wasting in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). S-oxprenolol received US Orphan Drug Designation for ALS treatment in 2024, and Actimed has licensed the global rights for cancer cachexia and other indications outside of ALS to US-based Faraday Pharmaceuticals.
The commercial terms of the Mankind Pharma licensing agreement were not disclosed, with both companies focusing on the clinical development pathway toward potential regulatory approvals in the licensed territories.
