Sun Pharma launches Palbociclib to treat advanced breast cancer

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has announced that one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries has launched Palbociclib, a novel anti-cancer drug, in India for patients who have advanced breast cancer. The company will make the drug available under the brand name PALENOTM (Palbociclib) 75 mg, 100 mg, and 125 mg. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in India, affecting approximately 0.21 million new female patients every year. Among the total patients, approximately 50 per cent of cases are of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, the major subtype of breast cancer.

Though hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients have shown better survival than other subtypes, they may progress to or present with metastatic disease. Palbociclib has been approved by the USFDA, EMA and CDSCO, in combination with hormonal therapies for patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Commenting on the launch, Kirti Ganorkar, CEO, India Business, Sun Pharma, said "We are introducing Palbociclib at an affordable price which will help improve patient access. PALENOTM will address the treatment needs of advanced breast cancer patients in India. For the first time, we are introducing a unique patient assistance program that will improve patient compliance and accessibility."