Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC) is shifting its focus towards high-end cancer and immune system treatment from lesser-known drugs such as Vodobatinib, a drug for chronic myeloid leukemia (a slow-growing bone marrow cancer), because that market has become too crowded and competitive.
The company will also be moving its operation to Vadodara, India and scaling down to two labs, leading to a 40% drop in headcount from 409 employees in 2024 to approximately 246 by 2027. As they believe it will help them save $10 million annually.
SPARC will now focus on high-end drug development. The company is also exploring creative partnerships, including potentially spinning off one drug candidate (SCO-155) into a new company called Tiller Therapeutics, where SPARC might hold a 55% stake. They’ve also identified seven assets for early licensing deals. The company is leveraging India’s cost-effective clinical trial infrastructure to make its money go further.
SBO-154 is one of the most promising cancer drugs by the company that is currently in Phase 1a testing, with the first two patient groups completed and a third group now enrolling across sites in the U.S., Australia, and India.
The drug directly targets tumors with specific markers found in non-small cell lung cancer, certain breast cancers, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The company believes they’ll be able to see the safe dose by late 2026.
On the immunity front, SPARC is developing SCD-153 with Johns Hopkins University and the Czech research institute. It is a topical foam being tested for autoimmune skin conditions. The first safety study for alopecia areata (an autoimmune hair loss condition) showed that the foam formulation is safe.
A second patient group is enrolling now, with results expected in late 2026, and testing for vitiligo (a skin pigmentation disorder) should begin by mid-2026.
In early 2026, SPARC expects decisions on a priority review voucher appeal and regulatory resubmission for another drug candidate (PDP-716). They’re also working on finalizing the Tiller licensing agreement and should have Phase 1b trial results later in the year.
These events could validate their science and significantly boost the company’s value. Early laboratory studies in aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer and glioblastoma (brain cancer) are also showing promise, giving the company additional confidence in its approach.
Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company is backed by Dilip Shanghvi, founder of Sun Pharma, and his family, which focuses on discovering and developing new drugs. The company earns most of its revenue from licensing products to other companies.
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