**Servier Enhances India Strategy with New Oncology Focus**
French pharmaceutical company Servier is intensifying its strategy in India by launching several new oncology treatments aimed at rare cancers, establishing local manufacturing for active ingredients, and initiating global clinical trials in the country for the first time. This strategic shift signifies a notable elevation of India’s role in Servier’s global operations, aligning it closely with product launches in Western markets.
Aurelien Breton, Managing Director of Servier India, shared insights on the company’s growth trajectory, stating, “Our forecast in terms of development is that we’ll be able to steadily grow our historical cardiovascular-metabolism-diabetes portfolio, and we’ll be able to scale up drastically in oncology, meaning the share of India by itself within the group is going to increase.”
Recently, Servier received market authorization from the Indian drug regulator for Vorasidenib (Voranigo), a pioneering oral therapy for adults and children over 12 with grade-2 gliomas or specific types of brain cancer with genetic mutations. Breton indicated that the product will be commercially available in the coming months. Notably, this approval in India followed closely on the heels of its approval in Europe and just over a year after its launch in the United States. “What is great is we are coming only one year after the US, whereas for many innovations, India is often years and years behind,” Breton remarked.
Voranigo is the latest addition to Servier’s portfolio, which has seen two other launches in India over the past year: Onivyde for metastatic pancreatic cancer and Tibsovo for cholangiocarcinoma, a type of gastric cancer, and certain blood cancers. Breton noted that Onivyde “gave us initial traction to build our capabilities, teams, and expertise.”
“India is now in the top tier worldwide in terms of speed of launch,” Breton stated, adding that future product registrations are expected to align with timelines in other markets, including Europe. Servier’s global pipeline continues to focus on targeted therapies for rare cancers, including specific mutations in blood cancers and eye melanoma.
Historically recognized for its strong presence in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes, Servier began a strategic pivot towards oncology approximately a decade ago. “Around 10 years ago, we decided to explore a new horizon, particularly in oncology, and we’ve been developing molecules and brands in that field,” Breton explained. The company’s foundation-backed structure has enabled it to take bolder R&D risks in pursuing treatments for rare and aggressive cancers.
As Servier prepares to conduct global clinical trials in India, this marks a significant milestone for the company, reflecting its commitment to expanding its footprint in the oncology sector.
**FAQ**
**What is Vorasidenib (Voranigo) used for?**
Vorasidenib is an oral therapy designed for adults and children over 12 with grade-2 gliomas or specific types of brain cancer that have certain genetic mutations.
