Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Launches Toripalimab in India for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment
Hyderabad, Nov 28: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has announced the launch of Toripalimab in India, a groundbreaking treatment for adults suffering from Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a rare and aggressive form of head and neck cancer. Toripalimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, has been approved for use in combination with standard chemotherapy to significantly improve outcomes for patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC).
NPC originates in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat, and is known for its poor prognosis, especially in advanced stages. India is among the top five countries globally in terms of NPC disease burden, with over 6,500 new cases diagnosed in 2022, according to GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics. The disease is notably prevalent in regions such as Kohima in Nagaland, where the incidence rate is alarmingly high.
Toripalimab works by blocking the PD-1 receptor’s interaction with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which in turn enhances the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancerous cells. When combined with standard chemotherapy drugs like gemcitabine and cisplatin, Toripalimab has demonstrated a 48% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death in patients.
Commenting on the launch, M.V. Ramana, CEO of Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets) at Dr. Reddy’s, stated, “The launch of Toripalimab is a significant milestone for NPC patients in India. NPC is a rare form of cancer, and the prognosis for advanced stages is poor. Toripalimab, as the next-generation PD-1 inhibitor, offers superior outcomes for patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC compared to standard treatments, addressing a major unmet need.”
Toripalimab is the first immuno-oncology drug approved by major global regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), for the treatment of adults with RM-NPC. In India, it will be marketed under the brand name Zytorvi, following its approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in April.
Previously, chemotherapy using gemcitabine and cisplatin was the standard treatment for RM-NPC in India. The introduction of Toripalimab as the first-line treatment in combination with these drugs represents a significant advancement in the management of this challenging cancer.
With NPC’s rising incidence in India, particularly in the northeastern states, the introduction of Toripalimab offers hope for patients who previously had limited treatment options. This launch underscores Dr. Reddy’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges in India and providing access to innovative therapies for rare and hard-to-treat cancers.
