GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has launched two advanced cancer therapies in India, Jemperli and Zejula, marking the pharmaceutical giant's entry into the country's oncology market with treatments specifically targeting gynecological cancers. The announcement on August 25 led to a 1% gain in GSK shares, reaching ₹2,828.5 per share.
Breakthrough Immunotherapy for Endometrial Cancer
Jemperli represents a significant milestone as the first and only approved programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy for the second-line treatment of mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in India. The therapy operates by blocking the PD-1 pathway, a mechanism that cancer cells exploit to evade immune detection, thereby enabling immune cells to recognize and attack tumors more effectively.
"Jemperli introduces immunotherapy into the treatment paradigm for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, offering a targeted option for patients with dMMR tumours," said Dr. Shalini Menon, Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at GSK India.
First-Line PARP Inhibitor for Ovarian Cancer
Zejula establishes itself as the only PARP (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) inhibitor approved as first-line monotherapy maintenance for all biomarker types in advanced ovarian cancer in India. The once-daily oral treatment requires no biomarker testing, providing a convenient therapeutic option for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Dr. Menon noted that "Zejula expands access to a convenient, first-line maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer," highlighting the treatment's accessibility advantages.
Global Validation and Patient Support
Both therapies have demonstrated their efficacy and safety profiles across international markets, with approvals in over 40 countries worldwide. This global validation provides additional confidence in their therapeutic potential for Indian patients facing gynecological cancers.
To support patient access to these innovative treatments, GSK has introduced 'Phoenix', a comprehensive patient support program designed to empower patients in accessing these therapies.
Addressing Critical Medical Needs
"These therapies address a critical unmet need in gynaecological cancers in India and represent meaningful progress in women's cancer care," stated Bhushan Akshikar, Managing Director of GSK India. The launch comes at a crucial time, as gynecological cancers are expected to rise sharply by 2045, making these new treatment options particularly significant for women's healthcare in India.
The introduction of these therapies represents GSK's strategic expansion into India's oncology market, bringing internationally proven treatments to address the growing burden of gynecological cancers in the country.
