Trastuzumab's cost has been reduced by Glenmark Pharma

16 Jun 2023 , 10:48 AM

On Thursday, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said that it had reduced the cost of the breast cancer medicine Trastuzumab by selling a 440 mg vial of the drug under the brand name Trumab for Rs 15,749 instead of the previous Rs 54,000.

A specific type of breast cancer called HER2-positive is treated with trastuzumab, and the manufacturer sells its version under the trade name ‘Trumab’ in India.

‘The medicine being sold under the brand name ‘Trumab’ will now cost Rs 15,749 for a 440 mg vial. With this price cut, Trumab will be the most cost-effective treatment option for HER2-positive breast cancer in the nation, costing approximately Rs 35 per mg, according to a statement from Glenmark.

The expense of Trastuzumab medication has been a significant obstacle for many patients in India, according to the business, who said that the majority of the existing Trastuzumab brands are priced between Rs 40,000 and Rs 54,000 per 440 mg vial.

The average cost of treatment is from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for early breast cancer and can reach Rs 5 lakh for advanced/metastatic instances, according to the statement. Patients must endure a minimum of 18 cycles (12 months) of treatment.

Alok Malik, executive vice president of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and head of India Formulations, stated to ET that the company’s decision to lower the price of its life-saving medication Trumab is a significant step toward its goal of ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for everyone, regardless of their financial condition.

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