Cancer Drug Access Denied: India's Silent Crisis

Accessing the critical cancer immunotherapy drug Keytruda in India is proving to be a significant challenge for most patients. Despite its global approval for numerous cancers and its status as the world's best-selling drug, obtaining Keytruda within India is obstructed by substantial financial, logistical, and regulatory barriers.

Merck & Co's (MSD) patient access program, the Kiran Patient Access Program, aims to provide support but requires patients to purchase initial doses costing nearly Rs 10 lakh upfront. This program also has eligibility criteria, excluding patients earning over Rs 25 lakh annually or with a sum-insured above Rs 25 lakh, despite the high cost of treatment.

Furthermore, the administrative process for the Kiran program is complex, demanding meticulous documentation and adherence to strict protocols. This includes on-site verification of documents and requiring a registered caregiver for each infusion. For many, the logistical demands and potential for delays make the process exceedingly difficult, leading to a high dropout rate.

Specialist prescription requirements and regulatory delays between US FDA and Indian approvals further compound the access problem. Consequently, even for indications where Keytruda shows survival benefits, only a small percentage of eligible patients in India are able to access it, with financial constraints being the primary obstacle for the vast majority.