BDR Pharma Launches Nilotinib for the Treatment of Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Leukaemia

BDR Pharmaceuticals, a leading pharmaceutical firm has announced the launch of Nilotinib to treat a rare subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common childhood cancer. PH+ leukaemia, which includes acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), is a rare and complicated type of cancer that affects both children and adults. While this Philadelphia chromosome is uncommon in paediatric ALL, it is much more prevalent in adult ALL. Over the years, the World Health Organisation has worked to increase childhood cancer survival rates while also aiming to double the global cure rate for other cancers.

The burden of communicable diseases decreases over time, but cancer mortality rates rise, particularly in low-middle income countries. Every year, over 70,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed, with approximately 20,000 having leukaemia, and approximately 12,000-15,000 having acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Ph+ ALL, a rare childhood cancer subtype, is found in 3-4 percent of paediatric cases and 25% of adult cases. Only 20% to 40% of adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients in India are Ph+. While commenting on the new launch, Raheel Shah, director of BDR Pharmaceuticals said, “We are thrilled to introduce Nilotinib as a groundbreaking treatment option for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukaemia.

The results from our clinical trials have demonstrated the exceptional efficacy of Nilotinib in achieving major molecular responses and significantly improving overall survival rates. We firmly believe that this drug will revolutionize the management of Ph+ leukaemia, providing new hope to patients and their families."