Zydus Lifesciences has launched the world’s first biosimilar of nivolumab in India under the brand name Tishtha. The biosimilar is available in two strengths—100 mg and 40 mg—priced at INR 28,950 and INR 13,950 respectively, at nearly one-fourth the cost of the reference product, aimed at easing the financial burden on cancer patients.

Designed to improve treatment affordability and access, the two-vial presentation allows oncologists to optimise dosing while reducing drug wastage, a key cost driver in immunotherapy. The launch is expected to make checkpoint inhibitor therapy more accessible to patients across multiple cancer indications.

Commenting on the development, Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said, At Zydus, we believe every patient deserves timely access to affordable, advanced cancer care. With the launch of Tishtha, we are expanding access to immuno-oncology through a patient-centric therapy. Our aim is to support patients with consistent care throughout their treatment journey. We remain committed to improving patient access to high-quality biosimilar immunotherapies.”

Access to modern cancer therapies hinges on consistency, affordability and reach. As immunotherapies are administered over multiple cycles, uninterrupted availability is critical to avoid clinical and financial stress. Developed and manufactured in India, Tishtha is positioned to ensure dependable long-term supply, reinforcing Zydus’s efforts to expand access to high-quality immuno-oncology treatments nationwide.