Zydus launches Denosumab biosimilar ‘Zyrifa’ to treat bone complications in cancer patients

Zydus Lifesciences on Wednesday, December 10, announced the launch of ‘Zyrifa’, a biosimilar version of Denosumab 120 mg administered subcutaneously, expanding its oncology portfolio with a therapy aimed at reducing skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with advanced cancers.

In a press release filed with the stock exchanges, the Ahmedabad-based drugmaker said the monoclonal antibody will help prevent bone complications in patients suffering from bone metastases arising from breast, prostate,

lung, kidney, thyroid, head & neck and other solid tumours, as well as multiple myeloma. Zyrifa has been priced at ₹12,495.

Bone metastases are among the most severe complications in late-stage cancers, leading to pain, fractures, spinal cord compression, reduced mobility and significantly diminished quality of life.

Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences said, “With Denosumab 120 mg SC, we aim to bring access and affordability of medication to cancer patients needing critical care," helping them retain mobility and supporting them in their fight against cancer.

Zydus Life noted that population-scale studies show high rates of bone involvement, affecting 50-70% of advanced breast or prostate cancer patients and 15-40% of those with lung, kidney, thyroid and melanoma cancers.

The drug maker on Tuesday, December 9, said its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zydus Lifesciences Global FZE, United Arab Emirates, entered into a strategic partnership with Formycon AG for the exclusive licensing and supply of FYB206, a biosimilar of Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in the US and Canada.

Last month, Zydus Life also received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its empagliflozin and linagliptin tablets in 10 mg/5 mg and 25 mg/5 mg strengths. The fixed-dose combination is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type-2 diabetes when treatment with both molecules is appropriate.

In November, the company also entered an exclusive licensing and commercialisation agreement with US-based RK Pharma Inc. for a novel sterile injectable 505(b)(2) oncology supportive-care product for the US market. Under the pact, RK Pharma will manufacture and supply the finished product, while Zydus Life will handle the NDA submission and commercialisation in the US, the company said.

Shares of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. are trading 1% higher on Wednesday, at ₹929.05. The stock is down 5% so far in 2025.