Sun Pharma receives USFDA approval for resistant prostate cancer drug YONSA

India’s pharma major, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has received the approval of US drug regulator for YONSA, a combination medication to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients.

Sun Pharma and Churchill Pharmaceuticals have an agreement commericalise YONSA in the US. Sun Pharma has acquired the drug from Churchill and sales-linked milestone payment for the same. 

Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of YONSA in the form of ultramicronized (smaller particle size) formulation of abiraterone acetate, when administrated in combination with methylprednisolone to treat mCRPC patients. CRPC is a type of advanced stage prostate cancer.

The US castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treatment market was valued at approx. US$2,600 million in 2016. Around 90 per cent of individuals having CRPC develop metastases, specifically in the skeleton.

Meanwhile, the stock of Sun Pharma was buzzing on the bourses quoting Rs. 454.90 per share, up 0.42 per cent at 11:09 hours on Wednesday.