The Vietnamese pharmaceutical market has recently welcomed a new cancer immunotherapy drug manufactured by the Russian Federation. The product has officially received its marketing authorization and is currently undergoing professional procedure finalization at hospitals for clinical use.
Biological active ingredient and mechanism
Marketed under the name Pembroria, the drug contains the active ingredient pembrolizumab (100mg/4ml). This is a monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 pathway, belonging to the modern immunotherapy group. Unlike traditional chemotherapy that directly kills cells, this drug enables the body’s immune system to recognize and attack malignant cells more effectively. It is formulated as a concentrated solution for intravenous infusion.
Broad indications and personalized treatment
The Drug Administration of Vietnam has approved the medication for a wide range of conditions, including:
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Non-small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.
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Melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical, and esophageal cancers.
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Tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H).
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Malignancies of the urinary tract, biliary tract, stomach, and head and neck areas.
However, medical experts at K Hospital emphasize that the drug is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Clinical indication depends strictly on the patient’s physical condition, disease stage, and specific genetic mutations within the tumor.
Expectations for financial relief
One of the most significant advantages of this Russian-made drug is its competitive pricing compared to existing products with the same active ingredient. With an estimated price of 18 million VND per vial, a standard treatment cycle (typically requiring 2 vials) will cost approximately 36 million VND. Although health insurance does not currently cover this specific drug, the arrival of this new option is expected to provide more patients with access to advanced therapy at a more affordable price point.