Blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda launched in India

New Delhi: US-based drug major MSD said it has launched cancer drug Keytruda in India for treatment of advanced melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

The launch follows receipt of regulatory approvals to launch the drug in India for treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

"Keytruda is a breakthrough immuno-oncology therapy which we have launched for the treatment of advanced melanoma in India in line with our comprehensive approach to fostering patient access for approved indications," an MSD spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement.

"Specifically, for advanced melanoma, we are introducing Keytruda with an India-specific price and Patient Access Program to assist patients who otherwise could not afford treatment," the spokesperson said.

However, according to industry sources, the maximum retail price (MRP) of one vial of Keytruda for a 21-day course is kept at Rs 2.36 lakh.

MSD said its role as a global healthcare firm is first and foremost to discover and develop innovative medicines and vaccines that treat and prevent unmet medical needs.

"We also recognize that we have a role to play - in partnership with other key stakeholders - in helping to ensure our products are accessible and affordable to those in need," the spokesperson said.