Eli Lilly has launched Tanstrive (selpercatinib) in India for patients with advanced or metastatic cancers driven by alterations in the RET gene. Selpercatinib is a targeted therapy that works to block abnormal signals from the RET gene that is responsible for growth of cancer cells.
Approved for RET Fusion-Positive NSCLC
This drug is approved for adults with RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is an oral therapy and is administered twice daily. This oral drug is available in 40mg, 80mg, 120mg and 160mg tablet strengths and is taken twice daily.
Expert Highlights Importance of Genomic Testing
Dr Rahul Kapur, Senior Director, Medical, Eli Lilly and Company (India) said, “As the first and only selective RET inhibitor approved in India for RET-altered solid tumours regardless of tumour type, Tanstrive (selpercatinib) is designed to target the molecular drivers of these cancers directly — offering a precision, biomarker-guided option with demonstrated rapid and durable responses, including activity in patients with central nervous system involvement. This underscores the importance of routine, comprehensive genomic testing for patients across a wide variety of tumour types,” he added.
Cost and Mechanism of Action
This oral drug costs ₹2.15 lakh per dose and is designed for patients with advanced or metastatic cancers driven by alterations in the RET gene. This drug selectively targets RET alterations and work to block the abnormal signalling pathways that drive the growth of tumor. Although RET alterations are rare but are clinically actionable genetic drivers that promote tumor growth across multiple cancer types including NSCLC.
RET Gene Alterations in India
The company said, “RET gene fusions are found in approximately 1–2 per cent of patients with NSCLC in India, representing a small but important subset of patients who may benefit from biomarker-guided treatment approaches. RET alterations are observed in less than 1 per cent of all tumour types overall but are particularly relevant in thyroid cancers, including approximately 50 percent of medullary thyroid cancers and 10–20 percent of papillary thyroid cancers,” it added.
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FAQ
What is Tanstrive (selpercatinib)?
Tanstrive is an oral targeted therapy developed by Eli Lilly for patients with RET gene-altered cancers, including RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
Who can receive Tanstrive in India?
It is approved for adults with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
How does selpercatinib work?
Selpercatinib blocks abnormal RET gene signals that drive the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Why is RET testing important for lung cancer?
RET gene alterations are rare but actionable. Biomarker testing helps identify patients who are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies like Tanstrive.
What is the cost of Tanstrive in India?
According to the launch announcement, Tanstrive costs approximately ₹2.15 lakh per dose.