AstraZeneca Pharma Receives Approval to Bring Durvalumab to India

AstraZeneca Pharma (India) Ltd. has recently announced securing approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to import and distribute Durvalumab (Imfinzi) in two dosage strengths: 120 mg/2.4 mL and 500 mg/10 mL, marking an important milestone, allowing the company to introduce new cancer treatment options for Indian patients, particularly those suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

New Use for Durvalumab

This approval specifically focuses on using Durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy for patients with resectable NSCLC, targeting those with tumors larger than 4 cm or cancer in the lymph nodes. The treatment will start with Durvalumab alongside chemotherapy before surgery and continue as a solo therapy after surgery. This drug is intended for patients who don’t have specific genetic mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), making it a targeted solution for a particular group of lung cancer patients. It’s a breakthrough for this specific patient group, which makes up about 15-20% of lung cancer cases in India, according to estimates.

What This Means for Cancer Treatment in India

Durvalumab is already used globally to treat various cancers, and this approval brings the drug into the Indian market for an additional indication. Lung cancer represents roughly 5.9% of new cancer cases annually in India, with about 70,000 new cases each year.  The drug’s availability is expected to offer much-needed options for cancer patients, especially those who haven’t responded to other treatments. AstraZeneca’s move is seen as crucial in expanding its oncology portfolio in India, where the demand for advanced cancer therapies continues to grow.

Market Reaction & What’s Next

Following the news of this approval, shares of AstraZeneca Pharma India have opened at more than 4% today, opening at around Rs.7000 per share. Going ahead, the company’s long-term growth prospects in India’s oncology market remain promising, with the introduction of Durvalumab expected to contribute to the firm’s presence in the country.

Conclusion: AstraZeneca Pharma’s approval to import and distribute Durvalumab in India is a positive development for the healthcare sector. With the addition of this cancer treatment, Indian patients now have access to more advanced therapies, further establishing AstraZeneca as an important player in the country’s oncology market.

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