Alkem Laboratories has introduced Pertuza, a biosimilar of pertuzumab, in India for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The drug is supplied as a 420 mg/14 mL injection and is developed and manufactured domestically.

In its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, Alkem’s biosimilar demonstrated equivalence to the reference product in terms of efficacy, safety and immunogenicity.

The firm says that access to pertuzumab in India has been limited due to high costs, and the launch of this affordable biosimilar is expected to make treatment available to a greater number of patients.

According to Alkem’s CEO, oncology is a priority area, and Pertuza both strengthens the company’s portfolio in cancer therapies and reflects its commitment to making essential treatments more accessible.