Cadila Pharmaceuticals has launched a lung cancer drug Mycidac-C. It is an innovative research product for the patients suffering from Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The drug has been approved for launch in India by the Drug Controller General (India) (DCGI). It targets Desmocolin-3, a novel target.
The drug is a first in the class active immunotherapy as well as drug targeting Desmocollin-3. It is a breakthrough in the management of squamous cell NSCLC. There has been no significant innovation in management of squamous NSCLC since the introduction of platinum containing doublet in 1983. Besides affordability and other advantages, Mycidac-C has no systemic side effects during the treatment. Mycidac-C is to be used with platinum containing doublet therapy. Mycidac-C can be administered easily by trained paramedics, thus further reducing the cost of hospitalisation associated with other cancer therapy.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Rajiv I Modi, Chairman and Managing Director, Cadila Pharmaceuticals said, “It has taken us over a decade, a huge investment and a dedicated research and development team to develop this unique drug. We expect it to be available in the Indian market by December 2013. Thereafter, we will introduce it in other regions like SAARC countries and European markets over the next five years.”
Dr T Ramasami, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science and Technology also commented, “Lung cancer is a major killer among all cancers. In this scenario, Mycidac-C is a new hope for the patients suffering form lung cancer, particularly for Indian patients.”
EP News Bureau – Mumbai
