Shilpa Medicare launches first generic drug to treat kidney cancer

Shilpa Medicare Limited (SML) on Tuesday announced the launch of its first Indian branded generic of Axitinib, which is used to treat advanced kidney cancer. It is a Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with the name of Axishil.

The drug has fewer side effects as the novel targeted therapy attacks the cancer cells without damaging the normal cells. A significant improvement can be seen in the survival rates in advanced renal cancer due to the introduction of this novel therapy. The generic drug is available as 1 mg and 5 mg tablets in a pack of 14 in one bottle.

At present, the monthly therapy cost to the innovator is approximately Rs 1.66 lakh. Moreover, the launch of Axishil will reduce the monthly cost of treatment significantly to Rs 14,940.

Shilpa Medicare has successfully launched three products in cancer therapy namely, Lenvatinib ‘Lenshil’, Dasatinib ‘Dasashil’ and Ibrutinib ‘Ibrushil’ in Indian market. With a vision of 'innovation for affordable healthcare', the launch of Axishil provides global quality Indian brand along with greater affordability to the cancer patients.

Shilpa Medicare is trading at Rs 487 with a growth of 2.88 per cent at around 10.40 am. The stock has a 52-week high of Rs 591.8 and a 52-week low of Rs 190.80 on BSE.