Natco Pharma (Canada), a subsidiary of Natco Pharma, announced the launch of Nat-Lenalidomide capsules, a generic alternative to Revlimid to be approved by Health Canada.

Nat-Lenalidomide is used in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma in patients who are not eligible for stem cell transplants. Nat-Lenadlidomide is also indicated for the treatment of transfusion-dependent anaemia due to Low- or Intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a deletion of 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities.

“We are proud to have led the way for an accessible treatment option for multiple myeloma that may alleviate the financial burden for myeloma patients, as well as public and private payers,” said Glenn Ikeda, Ph.D., CEO of Natco Pharma (Canada) Inc. “Our team has been working diligently to improve the supply of accessible, high-quality medicines to Canadian patients. The launch of Nat-Lenadlidomide represents an important milestone in Natco’s continued efforts to expand its product portfolio and is the result of considerable Canadian investment that will bring cost savings to healthcare at a critical time.”

 Sales of oncology medicines have nearly tripled over the past decade with a shift towards higher-cost drugs. Multiple myeloma, commonly referred to as myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells and the second most common form of blood cancer. Patients with this type of cancer may have low blood cell counts and immune problems giving them a higher chance of getting infections such as pneumonia. The bones can be affected leading to bone pain and breaks (fractures). About 7,400 Canadians are living with or are in remission from myeloma4 and every day, nine Canadians are diagnosed with the disease. To date there is no cure for myeloma, however, several types of treatments help control the disease.

“As a self-administered capsule, lenalidomide is an important therapy for Canadian patients whose lives are critically impacted by a variety of myeloma-related events and symptoms. This treatment aims at prolonging survival and improving quality of life. The availability of Nat-Lenalidomide as the first generic alternative to Revlimid is excellent news,” commented Joe Kamel, Registered Pharmacist, at Pure Health Pharmacy in Barrie, Ontario.

 Nat-Lenalidomide is available through the RevAid risk management plan in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 25 mg capsules.