For the first time in the country, Ahmedabad-based Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd has introduced Azacitidine molecule in cancer drug Azadine to help fight Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML).
MDS is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells and there are abnormal (blast) cells in the blood and/or in the bone marrow. Currently, for combating this type of cancer in the country, oncologists have to rely on an imported version of Azacitidine.
The treatment cost of imported Azacitidine can range between Rs 15-18 lakh. The cost of treatment with other options ranging from conventional agents to transplants may cost between Rs 2 lakh and 15 lakh, an official statement said.
Intas has priced Azadine at one-fifth of the innovator brand, with an objective to make it accessible to a majority of the needy patients.
“Azacitidine induces antineoplastic activity via two mechanisms; inhibition of DNA methyltransferase at low doses, causing hypomethylation of DNA, and direct cytotoxicity in abnormal hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow through its incorporation into DNA and RNA at high doses, resulting into tumourous cell death. Azacitidine has been approved by the USFDA since May, 2004,” a company statement said.
It is estimated that 4-5 people per 1,00,000 suffer from MDS/AML.
Azadine is manufactured in Intas SEZ facility in Ahmedabad, Gujarat which is spread over 35,565 sq. mts. The plant has dedicated manufacturing facilities for Cytotoxic formulations (Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Injection, Lyophilized Injection, Ointment) and Other Oral Solids (Tablets, Capsules). This plant operates in compliance with global regulatory standards like USFDA, MHRA and ANVISA, the company informed.