Alkem launches affordable biosimilar Pertuza for breast cancer in India

Alkem Laboratories Ltd. announced on September 22, 2025, the launch of Pertuza injection 420mg/14mL, a pertuzumab biosimilar, in India. This new treatment is specifically for HER2-positive breast cancer, aiming to address the significant challenge of accessibility and high costs associated with current treatments.

Pertuza is an indigenously-developed and manufactured biosimilar, backed by a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial demonstrating equivalence in efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to the innovator's reference product. Dr. Vikas Gupta, chief executive officer, Alkem, highlighted that the launch reinforces the company’s commitment to oncology, seeking to make this critical therapy available to thousands of women who would otherwise be excluded due to cost barriers.

This launch further strengthens Alkem’s growing oncology portfolio, which includes other biosimilars such as cetuximab, denosumab, bevacizumab, and romiplostim. The company emphasizes that Pertuza meets global standards and is backed by trusted science, ensuring scientific credibility and improved accessibility for patients across India.