AstraZeneca India has announced its entry into rare disease therapy in India. The regulatory approval of its ‘Selumetinib’ demonstrates company’s commitment to bring first in class, science-based therapies to patients in India. Through the addition, the company aims to address the severe unmet need of patients living with rare diseases and transform their quality of life.

AstraZeneca completed the acquisition of Alexion in the year 2021 and is now expanding its portfolio globally to bring innovative therapies for patients living with rare diseases in India.

“With less than 6% rare diseases having any kind treatment, coupled to extremely limited availability of any rare disease treatment in India, expectations from global pharma companies are high. New products launch by companies like AstraZeneca is important for rare disease patients, especially the neurological group of patients and they too can hope to live longer like any other population” said Prasanna Shirol, Co-founder and Executive Director, ORDI (Organization for Rare Diseases India).

“As a country, we need to accomplish a lot in this therapy area-right from diagnosis, treatment, access and education. With this milestone approval, we are bringing transformative medicines to patients living with rare diseases in India who currently have limited treatment options or no available treatment at all”, said Dr Sanjeev Panchal, Country President and Managing Director, AstraZeneca India.

AstraZeneca is also joining hands with Organization of Rare Diseases in India (ORDI), a non-profit organization working to improve the life of patients living with rare diseases. The collaboration is primarily to showcase support behind the cause and enhance the conversation.