Alkem Laboratories Ltd  and  Lupin Ltd have recently launched the world’s first cetuximab biosimilar in India for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). With this, Alkem and Lupin are in a unique position to improve their brand equity within the oncology therapy area in India, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Enzene Biosciences (Alkem’s subsidiary) received cetuximab biosimilar approval in India in January 2023. Lupin partnered with Enzene Biosciences in May to launch cetuximab biosimilar in India. Alkem and Lupin already have a portfolio of biosimilars within the oncology therapy area, including bevacizumab biosimilars, trastuzumab biosimilars, and rituximab biosimilars in India. However, biosimilars market segment in the country is highly competitive.

According to GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Center, all phases of cetuximab biosimilars clinical development are dominated by Chinese players globally. As of 13 June 2022, there are no pipeline cetuximab biosimilars in clinical development by other Indian players.

Prashant Khadayate, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Neither Alkem nor Lupin are the leading players within the oncology therapy area in India. Both companies can leverage cetuximab biosimilars to improve their market share within the oncology. It will further help them in creating a sustainable, winning model for future oncology drug launches in India.”

HNCs are the most common cancers in developing countries and are affecting more men compared to women. Among all HNCs, oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type. Notably, HNC mortality in India is high due to the late diagnosis of patients.

Khadayate concludes: “Cetuximab biosimilars will help improve market access as they are more affordable compared to originator biologics. However, disease awareness and earlier diagnosis are still key areas critical for further expansion of the eligible patient pool across India. Alkem and Lupin both have strong commercial presences in India, and they should leverage their existing capabilities to drive this process. Moreover, holistic patient support programs should be created to help patients in their treatment journey. These programs could also improve the overall treatment compliance rate and help in achieving treatment-related goals for each patient.”