AstraZeneca India launches innovative drug for HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer patients in India

AstraZeneca India launches innovative drug for HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer patients in India

AstraZeneca India Pharma Ltd. on Wednesday announced that it has launched Trastuzumab deruxtecan, therapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer for those who have previously received an anti-HER2 regimen.

Developed in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a specifically engineered HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), the company said in a statement.

“Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a significant advancement in our treatment options against HER2-positive breast cancer. This innovative therapeutic agent has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, a subtype known for its aggressive nature. This antibody-drug conjugate’s ability to specifically bind to HER2 receptors and deliver its cytotoxic payload directly to cancer cells has translated into breakthrough clinical outcomes for many patients globally and has become the standard of care in second line. The impressive response rates with manageable safety profiles observed in clinical trials underscore its potential as a transformative option for patients suffering from HER2 expressing metastatic breast cancer in India. The drug’s launch in India will be a big moment for hundreds of patients in the country,” Dr. Meenu Walia, Vice Chairman-Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, said in a statement.

The introduction of Trastuzumab deruxtecan is supported by positive results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial, a global Phase III study.

“There are huge unmet needs for patients with HER-2 positive metastatic Breast cancer who have already progressed on initial anti-Her-2 targeted treatment and hence pressing need to swiftly provide this transformative medicine to patients. AstraZeneca’s commitment to redefining cancer care and eradicating cancer as a cause of death is at the forefront of our scientific advancements. Our recent therapeutic breakthrough brings hope to patients with unresectable or metastatic conditions after prior anti-HER2 treatments. This innovative drug solidifies our dedication to science-driven innovations, representing a significant stride in our fight against breast cancer,” Dr. Anil Kukreja, Vice-President, Medical Affairs and Regulatory, AstraZeneca India, said.

Primary results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, reveal a remarkable 72% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Updated results, published in The Lancet, demonstrate a 36% reduction in the risk of death versus T-DM1, the company stated.

The company received approval to import and market Trastuzumab deruxtecan from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in May 2023.