Tata Memorial Hospital and ACTREC, in collaboration with IDRS Labs, Bangalore, have developed India’s first oral suspension of the chemotherapy drug, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), PREVALL.The safety and compliance results of PREVALL, approved by Indias drug regulator CDSCO, have been published in the journalPaediatric Blood and Cancer.

Designed to transform cancer care, especially for pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), PREVALL offers a more precise and child-friendly alternative to traditional tablets. 6-MP, an antimetabolite crucial in cancer treatment, is conveniently administered through a 100 ml liquid with 10mg in each milliliter. The package includes a syringe and Press in Bottle Adapter (PIBA) for accurate dosing based on a patient’s weight or body surface area, reducing spills and ensuring caregiver safety.

Dr. Girish Chinnaswamy, Head of Pediatric Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, highlighted that formulations like PREVALL contribute to dose optimization, enhancing adherence, and maximizing drug efficacy.Dr. Vikram, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at ACTREC, commended PREVALL as a distinct achievement within Indian biopharma, designed to ensure stability even in hot/humid conditions.

PREVALL was officially launched at the PHOCON conference in Chennai on November 25 and is set to be available in major hospital pharmacies across India. This breakthrough is anticipated to benefit approximately 10,000 children aged 1-10 diagnosed with ALL each year, marking a significant advancement in pediatric cancer treatment in the country.

(Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/tata-memorial-hospital-indias-first-oral-chemo-drug-leukaemia-9087942/ )