Mumbai, India (CU)_ BDR Pharmaceuticals announced the introduction of a first-in-India generic, Furmecil, an oral medication used to treat advanced gastric cancer. According to the pharmaceutical company, the anti-cancer medicine has a high rate of efficacy and a favorable safety profile. Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, both in terms of number and fatality. It is the fourth most prevalent malignant illness and the second largest cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.
The oral medication, often referred to as S-1, is a mix of three medications, namely, Tegafur, Gimeracil, and Oteracil, which will soon be accessible in Indian markets. The medication will be available in two strengths as capsules (Tegafur 15 mg + Gimeracil 4.35 mg + Oteracil 11.80 mg & Tegafur 20 mg + Gimeracil 5.80 mg + Oteracil 15.80 mg).
While launching the medicine, Raheel Shah, Director of Business Development at BDR Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai, expressed hopes over the medicine. He said, “Our vision is to bring globally available and highly effective but expensive medicines to the Indian patients making them accessible at affordable prices, BDR Pharma, takes the lead to bring cost-effective treatment for Gastric cancer in India as part of its latest pharmaceutical innovation. Our focused launch of such a first time ever newly advanced molecule in the treatment of various cancer indications is testimony to our solid commitment to providing access to affordable medicines for Indian cancer patients with high-quality standards without compromising patient’s safety”.
At the moment, therapeutic options include targeted medicines, a combination therapy of local surgery and radiation therapy, as well as systemic chemotherapy. According to the Indian Journal of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, the combination therapy with S-1 is being developed in order to improve the patient’s survival rate, to reduce cost, and to enhance the quality of life.
