Overview
- Indian specialists told The Indian Express that Merck’s flat 200 mg dose, the withdrawal of a 50 mg vial, and patient aid limited to the higher dose push up costs and block lower, weight-based dosing that studies suggest can work.
- Police investigations in India uncovered a multi-city racket that collected empty Keytruda vials, refilled them with other drugs such as antifungals, and sold them at discounts, leading to arrests and tighter hospital tracking and disposal rules.
- ICIJ’s Cancer Calculus reported at least 1,212 follow-on patent filings around Keytruda and about $163 billion in sales since 2014, with large dividends and buybacks, describing tactics that could hold off biosimilar rivals well past original expiries in 2028.
- In India, each vial typically costs ₹1.5–2.16 lakh and a full course can top ₹50 lakh, and with the key patent valid until June 2028 the therapy remains out of reach for most patients despite broad cancer approvals.
- The World Health Organization warned in November 2024 that falsified Keytruda can offer no benefit and pose serious risks, and Indian regulators and drugmakers are boosting surveillance and planning biosimilars for the post‑2028 market.