Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. has introduced Toripalimab, the world’s first and only immuno-oncology drug approved for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), in the Indian market under the brand name Zytorvi. This marks India as the third country, after China and the United States, to access this innovative treatment, aimed at a rare and challenging form of head and neck cancer.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer originating in the nasopharynx, has historically been treated in India with chemotherapy regimens like gemcitabine and cisplatin. Now, Toripalimab in combination with these drugs has shown a 48% reduction in risk of disease progression or death. It is also approved as a standalone therapy for patients whose disease has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Toripalimab, a next-generation PD-1 inhibitor, now offers a superior alternative by enhancing the immune system’s ability to target and destroy tumor cells.
"India ranks among the top five countries globally in NPC disease burden, which is known for its poor prognosis in advanced stages. Toripalimab provides superior outcomes compared to the standard of care, addressing a critical unmet need in NPC treatment. Oncology remains a top priority for us as we strive to serve 1.5 billion patients by 2030."MV Ramana, CEO for branded markets at Dr. Reddy’s
Approved by leading global regulators, including the USFDA, EMA, and MHRA, Toripalimab offers new hope for recurrent or metastatic NPC (RM-NPC) patients by demonstrating significant efficacy as a first-line treatment. Dr. Reddy's achieved the Indian launch the same year as the drug’s US debut, underscoring its commitment to oncology innovation.
Dr. Reddy’s introduced Toripalimab following a licensing agreement with Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co. Ltd., granting exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the drug in 21 countries, including India, South Africa, and Brazil, with scope to expand further.
(Input from various sources)
Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM