Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. has introduced Toripalimab, marketed as Zytorvi®, in India, marking a breakthrough in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC). India is now the third country, after China and the United States, to access this next-generation PD-1 inhibitor, which has shown a 48% reduction in the risk of progression or death when combined with standard chemotherapy.
Toripalimab is the only immuno-oncology drug approved by global regulatory authorities, including the USFDA, EMA, and DCGI, for RM-NPC. This launch is part of Dr. Reddy’s collaboration with Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, granting exclusive rights to commercialize Toripalimab across 21 countries. It is a first-line treatment for adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced NPC.
The northeastern state of Nagaland, particularly Kohima, has one of the highest incidences of NPC in India, with 19.4 cases per 100,000 population. This highlights the importance of innovative cancer therapies in the region. The launch is expected to improve treatment outcomes significantly, offering hope to affected patients in Nagaland and beyond. M.V. Ramana, CEO of Branded Markets, emphasized, “This launch addresses a critical unmet need for NPC patients in India, reinforcing our commitment to providing innovative cancer care.” NPC remains a significant health concern in India, with over 6,500 cases diagnosed annually. Toripalimab represents a step forward in addressing this burden.
