What’s Keytruda, why is it a big deal in India’s cancer fight

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Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy drug manufactured by Merck & Co that treats multiple cancers by enabling the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. First approved by US FDA in 2014, it generated $29.5 billion in 2024. Available in Indian tertiary care hospitals, standard dosage costs over Rs 3 lakh monthly. Patients access it through Merck's Patient Access Programme offering 30 free vials after purchasing five.

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