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Dr Reddy’s Launches India’s First Immuno-Oncology Drug for Rare Cancer

Updated on: Nov 28, 2024, 2:24 PM IST
Dr. Reddy launched Zytorvi, India's first immuno-oncology drug for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, reducing progression risk by 48% and addressing critical treatment gaps.
Dr Reddy’s Launches India’s First Immuno-Oncology Drug for Rare Cancer
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Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched Zytorvi, India’s first immuno-oncology drug to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a rare form of head and neck cancer. This marks India as the third country globally, after China and the US, to access this advanced PD-1 inhibitor.

Approved by regulatory authorities like the USFDA and EMA, the drug, known internationally as Toripalimab, is to treat adults with recurrent or metastatic NPC. NPC is a malignant tumour originating from the nasopharynx and is particularly prevalent in India, which ranks among the top five countries with the highest disease burden.

Treatment Efficacy

Zytorvi, when combined with standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin), reduces the risk of disease progression or death by 48%. It is also approved as a standalone therapy for patients who do not respond to platinum-based chemotherapy. This advancement addresses an unmet need for effective treatment in India.

Partnerships & Licensing

Dr Reddy secured rights for Toripalimab through a licensing agreement with Shanghai Junshi Biosciences in 2023. This agreement grants exclusive rights to develop and market the drug in 21 countries, including India, South Africa, and several Latin American nations, with an option to expand to additional regions like Australia and New Zealand.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in India

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, over 120,000 new NPC cases were reported globally, with India accounting for 6,519. Kohima, Nagaland, recorded the highest incidence rate of 19.4 per 100,000 people, showing the urgent need for targeted treatments in the region.

Financial Performance

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories reported a revenue increase of 16.5% in Q2 FY25, reaching Rs 8,016.2 crore. However, profits declined by 9.5% to Rs 1,342 crore.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories stock is currently trading at Rs 1,193.75, showing a 0.51% decrease from the previous day. Year-to-date, the stock has increased by 2.53%, while over the past year, it has increased by 5.16%.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.

Published on: Nov 28, 2024, 2:24 PM IST

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