Trastuzumab deruxtecan: AstraZeneca India Pharma unveils HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer therapy

Dr. Anil Kukreja, Vice-President, Medical Affairs and Regulatory, AstraZeneca India, said, “There are huge unmet needs for patients with HER-2 positive metastatic Breast cancer who have already progressed on initial anti-Her-2 targeted treatment and hence pressing need to swiftly provide this transformative medicine to patients. AstraZeneca's commitment to redefining cancer care and eradicating cancer as a cause of death is at the forefront of our scientific advancements. Our recent therapeutic breakthrough brings hope to patients with unresectable or metastatic conditions after prior anti-HER2 treatments. This innovative drug solidifies our dedication to science-driven innovations, representing a significant stride in our fight against breast cancer.”

The introduction of Trastuzumab deruxtecan is supported by positive results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial, a global Phase III study. Primary results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, reveal a remarkable 72% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Updated results, published in The Lancet, demonstrate a 36% reduction in the risk of death versus T-DM1. An estimated 77.4% of patients treated with Trastuzumab deruxtecan were alive at two years, emphasizing the persistent impact of this innovative therapy across various patient subgroups. Median progression-free survival, as determined by blinded independent central review, was an impressive 28.8 months with Trastuzumab deruxtecan compared to 6.8 months with T-DM1, further solidifying its position as a breakthrough in breast cancer treatment.

The company received approval to import and market Trastuzumab deruxtecan from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in May 2023.