Information on Russian-made anti-cancer drugs circulating in Vietnam

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) has decided to grant circulation registration certificates in Vietnam (batch 57) for 14 vaccines and biological products, including drugs containing the active ingredient pembrolizumab, a cancer treatment, produced by Russia.

Regarding the information about the drug with the active ingredient pembrolizumab produced by Russia being licensed in Vietnam, an expert from the Drug Administration Department said that pembrolizumab belongs to the monoclonal antibody group, not a new drug. This drug has the same mechanism as the original product, treating some cancers.

Cancer treatment drugs need to be prescribed in accordance with the patient's condition.

PHOTO: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE ARCHIVES

"This similar product is based on the original reference biological product of MSD (USA), which has been licensed for circulation in Vietnam since 2017 and is being used to treat cancer patients."

The Drug Administration of Vietnam said that there are 99 types of cancer treatment drugs in circulation in Vietnam. Drug manufacturing and registration establishments are responsible for: producing and supplying drugs to Vietnam in accordance with the records and documents registered with the Ministry of Health and must print or stick the registration number issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health on the drug label.

If there is any change in the drug circulation process in the home country and in Vietnam, it must be reported immediately to the Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health .

Drug manufacturing and registration establishments are responsible for coordinating with treatment facilities and preventive medical facilities to comply with current regulations on prescription drugs, monitor the safety, effectiveness, and adverse effects of drugs on Vietnamese people, and synthesize and report according to regulations.

According to the National Cancer Institute, pembrolizumab offers therapeutic benefits, but also comes with some side effects, including those related to an overactive immune response.

Side effects may include fatigue, rash, mucositis, joint pain, difficulty breathing. Rarely, autoimmune reactions may develop, requiring close monitoring and prompt intervention.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thong-tin-ve-thuoc-chong-ung-thu-do-nga-san-xuat-duoc-luu-hanh-tai-viet-nam-185251111190303128.htm