DRL announces launch of trastuzumab biosimilar in India

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (DRL) has launched Hervycta (Trastuzumab), a biosimilar of Roche’s Herceptin in India. The biological drug is indicated for the treatment of HER2-positive cancers (early breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer).

DRL’s Hervycta is available in strengths of 150 mg and 440 mg multiple dose vials.

“Hervycta is a step forward in our effort to accelerate access to cancer patients in India, in the oncology biosimilar space,” Mr. M.V. Ramana, CEO, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), DRL, said.

“The launch of Hervycta will immensely benefit women in India who are suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer and are in need of access to high quality, affordable and innovative medicines,” added Dr. Raymond De Vre´, Senior Vice President and Head, Biologics, DRL. Herceptin (marketed as Herclon in India) and its biosimilars had sales of approximately Rs. 290-crore MAT in India, for the most recent 12 months ending in December 2017, according to Ipsos.

DRL currently has four biosimilar products commercialized in India and various emerging markets, and an active pipeline of several biosimilar products in the oncology and immunology sace.