Based on the information from Bristol Myers Squibb (the maker of both drugs), Revlimid is a significantly larger drug in terms of worldwide revenue.
Revlimid (lenalidomide): Generated $5.8 billion in worldwide revenue in 2024.
Pomalidomide (Pomalyst/Imnovid):Generated $3.5 billion in worldwide revenue in 2024.
While both Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Pomalidomide (Pomalyst) are immunomodulatory drugs used to treat multiple myeloma and are chemically related to thalidomide, there are key differences between them:
Potency: Pomalidomide is considered more potent than Revlimid, which is why it is often used for patients who have already developed a resistance to Revlimid.
Mechanism of Action: Although they share a similar mechanism of action, Pomalidomide has a higher potency against the cereblon protein, leading to different degradation kinetics and gene activation profiles. This is why it can still be effective in patients whose disease has progressed on Revlimid.
Treatment Line: Revlimid is a common first-line therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Pomalidomide is typically used as a second-line or later treatment for patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, especially those who have already been treated with both Revlimid and a proteasome inhibitor.
Semaglutide launch in India: Natco Pharma is handling the manufacturing of semaglutide:
The company is using a two-part approach:
- API Manufacturing:The company will be producing the API(Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) for the drug themselves, in-house. This is the core component that gives the drug its effect.
- Fill and Finish:They have a partnership with another company to handle the “fill and finish” part of the manufacturing. This process involves putting the finished drug into its final form, such as in vials or pens, and packaging it.
By doing this, Natco Pharma believes they can maintain a competitive advantage in the market.
Novel NRC 2694:A novel drug is a new medicine that has not been previously approved or marketed in the United States. The term “novel” is used to describe a drug that contains an active ingredient that the FDA has not previously identified or approved.
The drug approval process:
After Phase II, a drug must successfully complete more hurdles before it can be commercially launched:
Phase III clinical trials: If Phase II results are positive, the drug would need to undergo extensive Phase III trials. These typically last one to four years and involve thousands of patients to further confirm efficacy and monitor for side effects.
Regulatory submission and review:Following successful Phase III trials, the manufacturer submits a New Drug Application (NDA) to regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This review can take 6 to 10 months or more, depending on the complexity of the drug and whether it receives an accelerated review pathway.
Manufacturing and commercialization: After regulatory approval, the company must ramp up manufacturing and establish its commercialization strategy before the drug is available to the public. This process can take over a year.
Given the current Phase II status and the multi-year process that typically follows, a commercial launch would likely be several years away, contingent on all subsequent trial and approval steps succeeding.
Disclaimer: Trying google search to know about these drugs. Simply done copy and paste of what I think is useful for forum. Holding Natco pharma from 812 levels and keenly watching the Rajeev commentary.