India is facing a significant rise in cancer cases, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 9 Indians is at risk of developing cancer in their lifetime. To address this growing issue, American pharmaceutical company Pfizer is planning to launch several new oncology drugs in the country. These drugs will target various types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, breast cancer, and bladder cancer. Pfizer’s senior medical director, Dr. Pankaj Gupta, stated that the company’s pipeline includes several molecules at different stages of development, which are being developed to address unmet medical needs in areas such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Pfizer is focusing on precision medicine, immunotherapy, and CAR-T cell therapy to transform cancer care. The company plans to launch three new therapies in India: elranatamab for multiple myeloma, sasanlimab for bladder cancer, and vepdegestrant for breast cancer. These drugs have shown promising results in clinical trials and are expected to provide new treatment options for patients.
Dr. Gupta emphasized that Pfizer aims to introduce these drugs in a way that complements national health priorities and expands access to cancer treatment. The company is working closely with state health systems and has multiple affordability solutions for patients, including patient assistance programs. Pfizer is also engaging with healthcare policy partners to shape cancer-related policies and improve awareness, diagnosis, and timely treatment.
One of the key areas of focus for Pfizer is antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which combine monoclonal antibodies with cytotoxic agents for targeted cancer cell destruction. The company has already developed molecules in the ADC space and plans to launch new ones in the coming years. Dr. Gupta highlighted the potential of ADCs to provide more precise and effective treatment options, reducing damage to healthy cells and improving patient outcomes.
Pfizer’s plans to launch new oncology drugs in India are significant, given the country’s growing cancer burden. With an estimated 1.57 million new cancer cases expected in 2023, India is set to become the cancer capital of the world. The company’s focus on precision medicine, immunotherapy, and CAR-T cell therapy, as well as its commitment to making its innovations accessible and affordable, is expected to have a positive impact on cancer care in India. Overall, Pfizer’s plans to launch new oncology drugs in India are a step in the right direction, and the company’s efforts to make these medicines accessible and affordable will be critical in addressing the country’s growing cancer burden.