Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched SUTIB, the generic version of Sunitinib oral capsules to treat kidney cancer in India. The company informed through a statement that the drug is launched at an MRP that is approximately 96 per cent lower than the MRP compared to the innovator brand, priced at Rs 7000 (50 mg), Rs. 3600 (25 mg) and Rs 1840 (12.5 mg) per month. Sunitinib is also approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in the lining of small tubes in the kidney. Sunitinib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor (MKI), works by blocking several enzymes that promote cell growth. It is useful for the treatment of certain patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours and advanced renal cell carcinoma. It is also approved for patients with certain type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.
According to a Globocan 2020 report, there are close to 40,000 patients with renal cancer in India. For over a decade, Sunitinib has been used for the treatment of fast-spreading (metastatic) renal cancer. Research shows that Sunitinib alone has helped reduce the risk of progression of renal cancer by 58 per cent.
Commenting on the launch, Alok Malik, Group VP & Business Head, India Formulations, said, “Oncology is an important focus area for Glenmark. We recognise that advanced kidney cancer is a complex disease and patients in India are faced with limited treatment options. Glenmark is committed to bringing targeted and effective medicines at an affordable cost to physicians and their patients.”