GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) Limited has further strengthened its presence in the oncology space in India with the launch two drugs — Revolade and Votrient.
Votrient (pazopanib hydrochloride tablets) is for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer. According to estimates, 8,900 new cases of kidney cancer are reported every year in India and 5,733 people suffering from the disease died in 2008. Worldwide the number of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rising by two per cent annually, the company said.
The company said 800 mg Votrient tablets for a month will cost Rs 58,000 and Revolade will cost around Rs 27,000 per month for 25 mg tablets per day. The oncology market size is estimated at Rs 1,200 crore and growing at a rate of 16-17 per cent.
The the Indian arm of the global pharma major had announced its presence in the oncology space with two drugs Tykerb, for treating breast cancer and Cervarix, a vaccine against cervical cancer earlier. Tykerb costs Rs 50,000 (five tablets of 250 mg per day) per month.
GSK, a relatively new player in the oncology segment in India, is expected to gain 2-3 per cent share in the market in the next two years through new launches.
Revolade (eltrombopag) is approved for oral treatment of thrombocytoppenia (reduced platelet count) in adults with blood disorder chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A number of ongoing trials are investigating the use of Revolade for treating thrombocytopenia in other conditions, where reduced levels of platelets may interfere with treatment.
Hasit Joshipura, vice president (South Asia) & managing director, GSK Ltd, said: “Revolade is the first and only oral platelet generator and it is an innovative step forward in helping patients and their physicians meet the challenges of managing chronic ITP. Votrient has been proven to significantly delay the progression of advanced renal cell carcinoma, while maintaining patients' quality of life.”
