Alkem Laboratories launches Pertuza for HER2-positive breast cancer treatment

Alkem Laboratories Ltd has announced the launch of a new breast cancer drug, Pertuza, in India on Monday (September 22). The injectable drug, available as Pertuza injection 420mg/14mL, is an indigenously-developed and manufactured biosimilar aimed at expanding access to HER2-positive treatment and critical cancer care.

In a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial, the biosimilar, developed by the company’s biotech subsidiary, demonstrated equivalence in efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to the reference

product of the innovator, said the official press release.

Dr Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Alkem, said, “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, and addressing its growing burden requires treatments that are effective, accessible, and affordable. Oncology is a priority area for Alkem, and our efforts are focused on developing treatment options that combine scientific excellence with wider access."

"The launch of Pertuza reflects this commitment and further strengthens our oncology portfolio. Alkem aims to make this critical therapy available to thousands of women each year, who would otherwise be excluded,” Gupta added.

Q1 results

Alkem Laboratories reported its April-June quarter results on August 12, posting numbers that exceeded Street expectations. The company delivered strong overall volume growth of 2.9% during the quarter.

Revenue rose 11% year-on-year to ₹3,371 crore, against a CNBC-TV18 poll estimate of ₹3,155 crore. Net profit surged 21.5% to ₹668 crore, compared to ₹550 crore in the same period last year, also well above the CNBC-TV18 forecast of ₹481 crore.

Operating performance was equally robust. EBITDA increased 21.3% year-on-year to ₹739 crore, higher than the estimated ₹578 crore. EBITDA margins expanded by 190 basis points to 21.9%, comfortably ahead of the 18% projected by analysts.

Shares of Alkem Laboratories Ltd ended lower on Monday (September 22) by 1% at ₹5,486 on the NSE.

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