Cancer treatment today has advanced tremendously. One of the most notable innovations is targeted therapy, also known as targeted cancer drugs. These treatments use medications specifically designed to target cancer cells, effectively destroying or inhibiting them with high precision. This selectivity helps preserve healthy cells and significantly reduces the side effects associated with traditional treatments like chemotherapy. Moreover, targeted therapy enables rapid adjustment of treatment plans based on the disease progression of each individual patient.
Imcranib—Thailand’s first domestically produced oral targeted cancer therapy—specifically inhibits tyrosine kinase enzymes to destroy cancer cells precisely. This enables highly effective control over cancer cell spread while minimizing side effects. It is indicated for several types of cancer, including chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL), gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), and the rare skin cancer dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).The medication will be available for patient treatment at Chulabhorn Hospital beginning in July 2025. Domestic production not only reduces the high cost of imported drugs but also expands access to treatment for Thai patients, enhancing overall quality of life.
This achievement represents a royal benevolence that not only alleviates the suffering of Thai people from cancer but also advances domestic expertise in drug formulation, production, quality control, pharmacological testing, and regulatory approval. It elevates Thailand’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and biopharmaceutical technology capabilities, along with personnel, to prepare for future development and production of additional cancer therapies. This strengthens the country’s longterm drug security and sustainably enhances the quality of life for Thai citizens. Under the “Biologics Research and Development Centre” led by Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, the Chulabhorn Research Institute has also succeeded in developing Thailand’s first domestically produced biologic-targeted cancer therapy: trastuzumab, registered with the Thai Food and Drug Administration on 20 May 2025 under the brand name “HERDARA.” This milestone, from cell line development to manufacturing, was achieved entirely by Thai researchers without relying on foreign technology transfers, providing a strong foundation for future biologics innovation.
Click the following link to watch the IMCRANIB 100 introduction video: https://youtu.be/wxckmKFB554
