US-based Rakuten Medical and Mumbai-based startup Karkinos Healthcare have announced a strategic collaboration to expand the reach of novel cancer care to India.

This includes a minority stake acquisition in Karkinos Healthcare by Rakuten Medical. Rakuten Medical’s investment marks Karkinos Healthcare’s first international investor. 

Rakuten Medical is focussed on developing and commercialising innovative cancer treatments for multiple indications based on its Illuminox platform. Karkinos is a healthcare technology platform focussed on delivering quality healthcare by providing access to, and availability of, cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment options. The strategic collaboration will enable continued innovation in cancer care to transform cancer care in India and abroad.  

Rakuten Medical’s first pipeline drug developed on its Illuminox platform, ASP-1929, has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, and is currently the subject of a global phase 3 clinical trial for recurrent head and neck cancer.

Karkinos Healthcare is pioneering the distributed cancer care network model in India addressing clinical needs that will bring quality care closer to patients. Karkinos already offers its services in Kothamangalam, Chottanikkara, Thodupuzha, Munnar locations across Ernakulam and Idukki Districts, in Kerala and is planning to ramp up its operations across India.