Dr Reddy’s launches chemotherapy drug in the US markets

Pemetrexed for Injection is a generic equivalent of ALIMTA, a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company announced the launch of Pemetrexed for Injection. This drug is a generic equivalent of ALIMTA, in the US market approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). Dr Reddy’s has launched this medicine in 100 mg and 500 mg Single-Dose Vials.

Where is this drug used? 

Pemetrexed injection is a chemotherapy medication that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It is used in combination with other chemotherapy medications as the first treatment for a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.

As per the estimates of IQVIA Health, the ALIMTA brand and generic had U.S. sales of approximately USD 1239 million MAT for the most recent twelve months ending in March 2022.

Headquartered in Hyderabad, Dr Reddy’s offers a portfolio of products and services comprising APIs, custom pharmaceutical services, generics, biosimilars and differentiated formulations. Its major therapeutic areas of focus are gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, diabetology, oncology, pain management and dermatology. The company operates in markets across the globe. Its major markets include – USA, India, Russia & CIS countries, and Europe.

Looking at the company’s recent performance, in Q4FY22, on a consolidated basis, the net revenue grew 9.98% YoY to Rs 5069.4 crore. However, owing to impairment charges, the PAT for the quarter came down by 83.4% YoY to Rs 86.5 crore.

Speaking about future aspirations, in one of the recent press releases, the company’s co-chairman and MD said that the company continues to focus on growing its core business, invest in future growth drivers, and work towards the integration of sustainability in its businesses.

At 2.26 pm, the shares of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd was trading at Rs 4361.85, a decrease of 0.69% from the previous closing price of Rs 4392 on BSE. The stock has a 52-week high & low of Rs 5,613.65 and Rs 3,655, respectively on BSE.