To lower cost burden, oncologists suggest smaller doses, but Keytruda says no

What Happened

Merck's cancer drug Keytruda uses a fixed 200mg dose regardless of patient weight, despite evidence that lower doses are equally effective. Indian oncologists say this standardized dosing inflates costs for patients who weigh 55-65kg and could benefit from weight-based dosing. Generic alternatives arrive in 2028. WHO added Keytruda to essential medicines in 2024 despite acknowledging affordability concerns for low-income countries.

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