Russia plans to launch new drug for cancer treatment

Russia is preparing to introduce a new cancer treatment drug based on monoclonal antibodies through a partnership between the R-Pharm Group and India’s Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, according to Kommersant.

The outlet said the companies have reached an agreement to bring the drug toripalimab to the Russian market.

The medicine was first registered in China eight years ago by Junshi Biosciences, and its approval in Russia is expected in 2027.

Toripalimab is intended for the treatment of various oncological diseases, including oesophageal and nasopharyngeal cancer.

If included in clinical guidelines and the list of vital medicines, the drug could generate between 5 and 10 billion rubles annually on the Russian market, according to estimates.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov