Alkem Laboratories has launched a biosimilar version of pertuzumab, a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of early and metastatic breast cancer, in the Indian market. The company’s product is a rival to Roche’s Perjeta, a widely used pertuzumab-based medication. According to Alkem, its pertuzumab biosimilar “meets global standards” of quality, safety, and efficacy.
Pertuzumab is used in combination with other medications, such as trastuzumab and docetaxel, to treat patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. The introduction of Alkem’s biosimilar is expected to increase accessibility and affordability of this life-saving medication for Indian patients. The company has emphasized that its product has undergone rigorous testing and has demonstrated comparable quality, safety, and efficacy to the reference product, Perjeta.
The launch of Alkem’s pertuzumab biosimilar is significant, as it has the potential to disrupt the Indian market for breast cancer treatments. Perjeta, the reference product, is a costly medication, and the introduction of a biosimilar is expected to lead to increased competition and lower prices. This, in turn, is likely to benefit patients, who will have access to a more affordable treatment option.
Alkem’s pertuzumab biosimilar has been approved by the Indian regulatory authorities, and the company has stated that it will be made available at a “competitive price” in the market. The company has also emphasized its commitment to providing high-quality, affordable medications to patients in India and globally.
The launch of Alkem’s pertuzumab biosimilar is part of a larger trend of biosimilar introductions in the Indian market. In recent years, several Indian pharmaceutical companies have launched biosimilars of popular medications, including trastuzumab, bevacizumab, and rituximab. These introductions have increased competition and led to lower prices, making these medications more accessible to patients.
Overall, the launch of Alkem’s pertuzumab biosimilar is a positive development for Indian patients with breast cancer. The introduction of this affordable treatment option is expected to improve access to life-saving medication and increase competition in the market, ultimately benefiting patients and the healthcare system as a whole.