BDR Pharma launches maiden generic to treat prostate cancer in India

BDR Pharma today launched the first generic apalutamide (brand name Apatide) in India to treat both metastatic castration sensitive prostrate cancer as well as non-metastatic castration-resistant prostrate cancer. The product will be available across India and shall be of 60 mg strength and available in two packs – 60 tablets and 120 tablets.

According to a company statement, Apalutamide, in combination with anti-androgen therapy, will improve chances for survival within metastatic castration sensitive prostrate cancer patients. Apalutamide plus Androgen-Deprivation Therapy (ADT) arm shows a significant decrease in the risk of disease progression and reduces risk of mortality by 35 per cent amongst non-metastatic castration-resistant prostrate cancer. The drug promises quality of life as measured by the complete functional assessment of cancer therapy-prostate.

BDR’s journey for the treatment of prostate cancer started with Abiratarone Acetate, then Leuprolide Acetate followed by Enzalutamide, and, then Degarelix and Triptorelin. Apalutamide will play a role in significantly improving the Overall Survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival in patients. As per clinical data during Spartan trial for patients in non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, Apalutamide, in combination with anti-androgen therapy, improved median metastatis – free survival by two years. The median progression-free survival for Apalutamide plus ADT arm was 40.5 months v/s 14.7 months for the placebo arm plus ADT, representing a significant decrease in the risk of disease progression or death by 71 per cent, the statement said.