AbbVie enters India oncology market with much-awaited launch of leukemia drug Venetoclax

Venetoclax

US drug maker AbbVie has launched its key leukemia drug, Venetoclax, in India, marking its entry into the country's oncology market as it seeks to address the challenges of treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The move comes as India grapples with a rising burden of AML, particularly among its aging population.

The company didn't disclose the pricing details of the drug. Currently, patients are importing the drug on prescription from various locations worldwide. The AbbVie  imported drug costs about Rs 90,000 per bottle of 28 tablets on online platforms like Indiamart. However, in grey market, the copycat versions imported from Bangladesh drug companies like Everest Pharma are available at less than one-third of the price without bill.

Venetoclax, a first-in-class BCL-2 inhibitor, offers a novel treatment approach by targeting cancer cells in the blood and bone marrow. It provides a significant option, especially for AML patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy due to age or other health conditions. Recent data from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi show an AML burden of 2.5 cases per 100,000 people in India, highlighting the need for more treatment options.

"Our entry into oncology in India signifies more than the launch of a single medication; it reflects our overarching commitment to advancing cancer care," said Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director & General Manager, AbbVie India. "We are delighted to introduce Venetoclax in India, transforming the treatment landscape for AML and profoundly impacting the lives of patients facing this formidable disease”.

India faces unique hurdles in combating AML, including delayed diagnosis and limited access to advanced therapies. "For patients who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy, Venetoclax offers a promising treatment option enhancing life expectancy and enabling them to spend more cherished moments with their families," stated Dr. Rahul Rathod, Medical Director at AbbVie. The drug's oral dosing allows for more personalized care.

Globally, Venetoclax (marketed as Venclexta) achieved net revenues of $2.583 billion for the full year 2024, according to AbbVie's financial reports.

AbbVie continues to invest heavily in its oncology pipeline, evaluating over 20 investigational medicines in numerous clinical trials worldwide.

The drug was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) on April 11, 2016, initially for certain patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Venetoclax has seen its indications expand. It received subsequent FDA approvals for broader CLL use and for treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in specific patient groups, including older adults or those with comorbidities who cannot undergo intensive chemotherapy.

AbbVie highlights its convenient oral dosing as supporting a personalized approach to care. This is particularly vital in regions like India, where challenges include delayed diagnosis and limited access to advanced therapies for AML.