In a groundbreaking leap forward for paediatric oncology, Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Centre, in partnership with IDRS Labs in Bengaluru, has pioneered the development of India’s first and only chemotherapy drug in syrup form. Named PREVALL, this innovative creation addresses the treatment needs of children diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), the most prevalent form of blood cancer among young individuals.
A Sweet Solution for a Bitter Disease
Traditionally, children battling hematologic malignancies such as ALL faced challenges in medication administration, often resorting to tablet crushing or alternate dosing methods. PREVALL, a 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) oral suspension, marks a transformative departure from these practices. Designed as a powder for oral suspension, it ensures precise dosing, ease of administration, and increased adherence, contributing to enhanced drug efficacy.
Doctors from Tata Memorial Centre and IDRS Labs have developed India's first chemotherapy drug, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), in a syrup form to combat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in children. https://t.co/qDTxDmOA81
— Ametheus Health (@ametheushealth) December 31, 2023
The Science Behind PREVALL
Physicians and researchers from Tata Memorial Hospital and ACTREC collaborated with IDRS Labs to formulate PREVALL, which can be reconstituted into a 100 ml oral suspension at a concentration of 10mg/ml. The development is a result of a comprehensive clinical study jointly published by Tata Memorial Centre, ACTREC, and IDRS Labs, showcasing the efficacy and safety of the syrup.
Child-Friendly Precision
To facilitate accurate dosing tailored to a patient’s weight or body surface area, PREVALL is packaged with a syringe and a Press in Bottle Adapter (PIBA). This not only ensures that children receive the right amount of medication but also minimizes the risk of spills and exposure to harmful compounds for caregivers.
Widespread Accessibility and Approval
With approval from India’s drug regulator, CDSCO, PREVALL is poised to become accessible in major hospital pharmacies across the country. Its design ensures stability in hot and humid conditions, differentiating it from liquid formulations available elsewhere. The commercial availability of PREVALL is expected to bring relief to approximately 10,000 children aged 1-10 years diagnosed with ALL annually.
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Towards a Healthier Future
The introduction of PREVALL represents a significant progress in the field of Paediatric cancer treatment, marking a departure from conventional practices and ushering in a new era of precision medicine. As the syrup prepares for nationwide availability, it stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of medical professionals striving to provide safer and more effective treatments for children battling life-threatening diseases.