Hyderabad: Dr Reddy’s Laboratories’ arm, Dr Reddy’s Labs South Africa, has registered a new PD-1 inhibitor for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare and aggressive head and neck cancer.A PD-1 inhibitor is a type of monoclonal antibody that blocks the PD-1 protein on immune T cells. It prevents PD-1 from binding to partner proteins like PD-L1 on cancer cells, releasing the “brakes” on the immune system and helping T cells attack tumours.The move will help expand access to modern oncology care for underserved patients, Dr Reddy’s Labs said on Monday.“Every cancer patient deserves access to innovative treatment options, regardless of how rare their diagnosis may be,” said Dr Rashem Mothilal, general manager of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories South Africa, adding that the registration reflects the company’s commitment to advanced oncology.Nasopharyngeal carcinoma develops in the tissue behind the nose and above the back of the throat. Early signs can include persistent nasal congestion, hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, nosebleeds and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, which may delay diagnosis until the disease is advanced.According to the 2024 South African Journal of Oncology, which cites GLOBOCAN 2020 data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, NPC has a five-year prevalence of 0.88 cases per 100,000 people in South Africa. World Health Organisation estimates there are more than 500 rare cancers globally.
