Lung Cancer Medicines in India: Imported Treatments by Gene Type
QUICK ANSWERLung cancer causes more cancer deaths in India than any other cancer, with an estimated 98,687 deaths and 1,12,659 new cases in 2024 [1]. Most cases are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and about 1 in 4 Indian patients with advanced NSCLC has an EGFR gene change that targeted tablets can act on [3]. Many newer medicines for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS G12C, MET, HER2 and small cell lung cancer are approved in the US or China but are not yet sold in Indian pharmacies. Named Patient Program (NPP) arranges 45 such medicines for individual patients, against a valid prescription from their oncologist.
1,12,659
new lung cancer cases in India in 2024 – the 3rd most common cancer in India and the 2nd most common in Indian men
Source: IARC GLOBOCAN 2024 [1]
98,687
lung cancer deaths in India in 2024 – the No. 1 cause of cancer death (10.9% of all cancer deaths)
Source: IARC GLOBOCAN 2024 [1]
24.2%
of Indian patients with advanced NSCLC had an EGFR mutation; about 4% had an ALK change
Source: Meta-analysis of 26 Indian studies [3]
77% / 13%
of lung cancers are non-small cell (NSCLC) and small cell (SCLC) respectively
Source: American Cancer Society, US data [2]
Types of lung cancer and why the gene test decides the medicine
Lung cancer is first split into two groups under the microscope. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the larger group and includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) grows faster and is treated differently [2].
In NSCLC, the next step is a gene test on the biopsy. If the tumour carries a "driver" change such as EGFR, ALK or ROS1, a tablet or infusion that targets that change is often the first choice. If no driver change is found, immunotherapy, alone or with chemotherapy, is the main option. This is why two people with the same stage of lung cancer can be given very different medicines.
| Gene change (NSCLC) | How common in Indian studies | Medicine groups on this page |
|---|---|---|
| EGFR | 24.2% of NSCLC, 28.7% of adenocarcinoma (pooled) [3] | EGFR tablets (exon 19 / L858R / T790M / exon 20), EGFR-MET antibody, antibody-drug conjugates |
| ALK | 4% of NSCLC, 8.3% of adenocarcinoma (pooled) [3] | ALK inhibitor tablets and capsules |
| KRAS G12C | KRAS changes: 4.5–6.4% across studies [3] | KRAS G12C inhibitor tablets |
| ROS1 | 3.5–4.1% across studies [3] | ROS1 inhibitors |
| BRAF V600E | 1.5–3.5% across studies [3] | BRAF + MEK inhibitor pairs |
| HER2 mutation | 0–1.5% across studies [3] | HER2 tablets and a HER2 antibody-drug conjugate |
| MET, RET, NRG1 | Rare; not pooled in the Indian review | MET inhibitors, a c-Met antibody-drug conjugate, RET inhibitor, NRG1 antibody |
| No driver change | The rest of NSCLC | Immunotherapy (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, PD-1/VEGF) |
India figures: Raman R et al., meta-analysis of 26 studies of Indian patients with advanced NSCLC. Ranges are from individual studies; groups can overlap.
Imported lung cancer medicines by type
All 45 medicines below are prescription-only. Tap a type to filter. Each card opens the full medicine page with dosage, storage and safety details.
Lazcluze
lazertinib · Tablet
With Rybrevant as first treatment for advanced NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletion or L858R
EGFR US FDA
Rybrevant
amivantamab · IV infusion
With Lazcluze, or with chemotherapy, for EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC including exon 20 insertions
EGFR US FDA
Zegfrovy
sunvozertinib · Tablet
EGFR exon 20 insertion NSCLC after platinum chemotherapy
EGFR US FDA
.webp)
Datroway
datopotamab deruxtecan · IV infusion
EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC after EGFR therapy and platinum chemotherapy
EGFR US FDA
Limertinib
limertinib · Tablet
First treatment for EGFR exon 19 / L858R NSCLC, and T790M NSCLC after earlier EGFR tablets
EGFR China NMPA
Befotertinib
befotertinib · Capsule
First treatment for EGFR exon 19 / L858R NSCLC, and T790M NSCLC after earlier EGFR tablets
EGFR China NMPA
Oritinib
oritinib · Tablet
First treatment for EGFR exon 19 / L858R NSCLC, and T790M NSCLC after earlier EGFR tablets
EGFR China NMPA
Rezivertinib
rezivertinib · Capsule
First treatment for EGFR exon 19 / L858R NSCLC, and T790M NSCLC after earlier EGFR tablets
EGFR China NMPA
Zorifertinib
zorifertinib · Tablet
First treatment for EGFR exon 19 / L858R NSCLC that has spread to the brain or spinal cord
EGFR China NMPA
Asandeutertinib
asandeutertinib · Tablet
First treatment for EGFR exon 19 / L858R NSCLC that has spread to the brain or spinal cord
EGFR China NMPA
Sacituzumab Tirumotecan
sacituzumab tirumotecan · IV infusion
EGFR-mutant non-squamous NSCLC after EGFR tablets (with or without earlier chemotherapy)
EGFR China NMPA
Ivonescimab
ivonescimab · IV infusion
With chemotherapy after EGFR tablets; alone as first treatment for PD-L1 positive NSCLC without EGFR/ALK; with chemotherapy for squamous NSCLC
EGFRImmunotherapy China NMPA
Alunbrig
brigatinib · Tablet
ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC, first treatment or after another ALK inhibitor
ALK US FDA
Iruplinalkib
iruplinalkib · Tablet
ALK-positive advanced NSCLC, first treatment or after an earlier first-generation ALK inhibitor
ALK China NMPA
Envonalkib
envonalkib · Capsule
ALK-positive advanced NSCLC as the first ALK treatment
ALK China NMPA
Dirozalkib
dirozalkib · Tablet
ALK-positive advanced NSCLC as the first ALK treatment
ALK China NMPA
Ibtrozi
taletrectinib · Capsule
ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC
ROS1 US FDA
Augtyro
repotrectinib · Capsule
ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC; also NTRK fusion solid tumours
ROS1 US FDA
Rozlytrek
entrectinib · Capsule
ROS1-positive metastatic NSCLC; also NTRK fusion solid tumours
ROS1 US FDA
Unecritinib
unecritinib · Capsule
ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC
ROS1 China NMPA
.webp)
Lumakras
sotorasib · Tablet
KRAS G12C NSCLC after at least one earlier treatment
KRAS G12C US FDA
Krazati
adagrasib · Tablet
KRAS G12C NSCLC after at least one earlier treatment
KRAS G12C US FDA
Fulzerasib
fulzerasib · Tablet
KRAS G12C advanced NSCLC after at least one earlier treatment
KRAS G12C China NMPA
Garsorasib
garsorasib · Tablet
KRAS G12C advanced NSCLC after at least one earlier treatment
KRAS G12C China NMPA
Glecirasib
glecirasib · Tablet
KRAS G12C advanced NSCLC after at least one earlier treatment
KRAS G12C China NMPA
Tepmetko
tepotinib · Tablet
Metastatic NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping
MET US FDA
Vebreltinib
vebreltinib · Enteric capsule
NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping or MET amplification
MET China NMPA
Gumarontinib
gumarontinib · Tablet
NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping
MET China NMPA, Japan PMDA
Emrelis
telisotuzumab vedotin · IV infusion
Non-squamous NSCLC with high c-Met protein after earlier treatment
MET US FDA
Hernexeos
zongertinib · Tablet
Non-squamous NSCLC with a HER2 (ERBB2) mutation
HER2 US FDA
Hyrnuo
sevabertinib · Tablet
Non-squamous NSCLC with a HER2 mutation after earlier treatment
HER2 US FDA
Trastuzumab Rezetecan
trastuzumab rezetecan · IV infusion
HER2-mutant advanced NSCLC after earlier treatment
HER2 China NMPA
Tafinlar
dabrafenib · Capsule
With Mekinist for BRAF V600E metastatic NSCLC
BRAF US FDA
Mekinist
trametinib · Tablet
With Tafinlar for BRAF V600E metastatic NSCLC
BRAF US FDA
.webp)
Braftovi
encorafenib · Capsule
With Mektovi for BRAF V600E metastatic NSCLC
BRAF US FDA
Mektovi
binimetinib · Tablet
With Braftovi for BRAF V600E metastatic NSCLC
BRAF US FDA
Gavreto
pralsetinib · Capsule
RET fusion-positive metastatic NSCLC
RET / NRG1 US FDA
Bizengri
zenocutuzumab · IV infusion
NRG1 fusion NSCLC after earlier treatment
RET / NRG1 US FDA
Opdivo
nivolumab · IV infusion
NSCLC before or after surgery and in advanced disease; also pleural mesothelioma
Immunotherapy US FDA
.webp)
Libtayo
cemiplimab · IV infusion
First treatment for advanced NSCLC, alone (high PD-L1) or with chemotherapy
Immunotherapy US FDA
Imjudo
tremelimumab · IV infusion
With durvalumab and chemotherapy for metastatic NSCLC without EGFR/ALK changes
Immunotherapy US FDA
Adebrelimab
adebrelimab · IV infusion
First treatment for extensive-stage SCLC with chemotherapy; before and after surgery in stage II–IIIB NSCLC
ImmunotherapySmall cell China NMPA
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Imdelltra
tarlatamab · IV infusion
Extensive-stage SCLC after platinum chemotherapy
Small cell US FDA
Zepzelca
lurbinectedin · IV infusion
Extensive-stage SCLC: maintenance with atezolizumab, or after platinum chemotherapy
Small cell US FDA
Socazolimab
socazolimab · IV infusion
First treatment for extensive-stage SCLC with carboplatin and etoposide
Small cell China NMPA
Compare all 45 lung cancer medicines
| Medicine | Generic name | Lung cancer type | Form | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lazcluze | lazertinib | EGFR | Tablet | US FDA |
| Rybrevant | amivantamab | EGFR | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Zegfrovy | sunvozertinib | EGFR | Tablet | US FDA |
| Datroway | datopotamab deruxtecan | EGFR | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Limertinib | limertinib | EGFR | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Befotertinib | befotertinib | EGFR | Capsule | China NMPA |
| Oritinib | oritinib | EGFR | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Rezivertinib | rezivertinib | EGFR | Capsule | China NMPA |
| Zorifertinib | zorifertinib | EGFR | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Asandeutertinib | asandeutertinib | EGFR | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Sacituzumab Tirumotecan | sacituzumab tirumotecan | EGFR | IV infusion | China NMPA |
| Ivonescimab | ivonescimab | EGFR, Immunotherapy | IV infusion | China NMPA |
| Alunbrig | brigatinib | ALK | Tablet | US FDA |
| Iruplinalkib | iruplinalkib | ALK | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Envonalkib | envonalkib | ALK | Capsule | China NMPA |
| Dirozalkib | dirozalkib | ALK | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Ibtrozi | taletrectinib | ROS1 | Capsule | US FDA |
| Augtyro | repotrectinib | ROS1 | Capsule | US FDA |
| Rozlytrek | entrectinib | ROS1 | Capsule | US FDA |
| Unecritinib | unecritinib | ROS1 | Capsule | China NMPA |
| Lumakras | sotorasib | KRAS G12C | Tablet | US FDA |
| Krazati | adagrasib | KRAS G12C | Tablet | US FDA |
| Fulzerasib | fulzerasib | KRAS G12C | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Garsorasib | garsorasib | KRAS G12C | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Glecirasib | glecirasib | KRAS G12C | Tablet | China NMPA |
| Tepmetko | tepotinib | MET | Tablet | US FDA |
| Vebreltinib | vebreltinib | MET | Enteric capsule | China NMPA |
| Gumarontinib | gumarontinib | MET | Tablet | China NMPA, Japan PMDA |
| Emrelis | telisotuzumab vedotin | MET | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Hernexeos | zongertinib | HER2 | Tablet | US FDA |
| Hyrnuo | sevabertinib | HER2 | Tablet | US FDA |
| Trastuzumab Rezetecan | trastuzumab rezetecan | HER2 | IV infusion | China NMPA |
| Tafinlar | dabrafenib | BRAF | Capsule | US FDA |
| Mekinist | trametinib | BRAF | Tablet | US FDA |
| Braftovi | encorafenib | BRAF | Capsule | US FDA |
| Mektovi | binimetinib | BRAF | Tablet | US FDA |
| Gavreto | pralsetinib | RET / NRG1 | Capsule | US FDA |
| Bizengri | zenocutuzumab | RET / NRG1 | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Opdivo | nivolumab | Immunotherapy | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Libtayo | cemiplimab | Immunotherapy | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Imjudo | tremelimumab | Immunotherapy | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Adebrelimab | adebrelimab | Immunotherapy, Small cell | IV infusion | China NMPA |
| Imdelltra | tarlatamab | Small cell | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Zepzelca | lurbinectedin | Small cell | IV infusion | US FDA |
| Socazolimab | socazolimab | Small cell | IV infusion | China NMPA |
Tests your doctor may ask for
Most targeted lung cancer medicines are approved only when a test shows the matching change, so the test report usually comes before the prescription.
| Test | What it looks for | Medicines that need it |
|---|---|---|
| EGFR mutation | Exon 19 deletion, L858R, T790M or exon 20 insertion | Lazcluze, Rybrevant, Zegfrovy, Datroway, Limertinib, Befotertinib, Oritinib, Rezivertinib, Zorifertinib, Asandeutertinib, Sacituzumab Tirumotecan, Ivonescimab (after EGFR tablets) |
| ALK rearrangement | ALK gene fusion | Alunbrig, Iruplinalkib, Envonalkib, Dirozalkib |
| ROS1 rearrangement | ROS1 gene fusion | Ibtrozi, Augtyro, Rozlytrek, Unecritinib |
| KRAS G12C | One specific KRAS change | Lumakras, Krazati, Fulzerasib, Garsorasib, Glecirasib |
| MET | MET exon 14 skipping, MET amplification or high c-Met protein | Tepmetko, Vebreltinib, Gumarontinib, Emrelis |
| HER2 (ERBB2) mutation | Activating HER2 change in the tumour | Hernexeos, Hyrnuo, Trastuzumab Rezetecan |
| BRAF V600E | One specific BRAF change | Tafinlar + Mekinist, Braftovi + Mektovi |
| RET / NRG1 fusion | Rare gene fusions | Gavreto (RET), Bizengri (NRG1) |
| PD-L1 (IHC) | How much PD-L1 the tumour shows | Helps choose immunotherapy, for example Libtayo alone or Ivonescimab first-line |
Many hospitals now test several genes at once from one biopsy (a next-generation sequencing panel). Ask your oncologist which genes were covered, because a missed result can mean a missed treatment option.
Import permit, hospital delivery and cost help
The medicines on this page are imported for one named patient at a time, on a prescription from a registered doctor. For many of them the patient applies to CDSCO on Form 12A and receives a Form 12B import permit; our Form 12A and 12B import permit guide explains the papers step by step. Infusions such as Imdelltra, Rybrevant or Datroway are usually given in a hospital, and our hospital delivery service page explains how the medicine reaches the treating hospital under cold-chain conditions.
Lung cancer treatment with targeted medicines often runs for many months. If the cost is a concern, our guide to help with the cost of cancer treatment explains patient assistance programs, government cancer funds and charities, and which ones fit an imported medicine.
How to get these lung cancer medicines in India
1
Prescription
Your oncologist prescribes the medicine.
2
Share documents
Send the prescription and latest reports through Online Order.
3
Import paperwork
Our team checks the source and the import permissions.
4
Delivery
Delivered with the right storage, including cold chain.
Read How to Order and Indian import regulations. We also serve patients in Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Has your oncologist prescribed one of these medicines?
Share the prescription and we will guide you on availability and next steps.
Read more about lung cancer
- Small cell lung cancer: causes and risk factors
- KRAS G12C mutation and Lumakras: a complete guide
- Lazcluze for EGFR-mutated lung cancer: what to expect
- All Oncology medicines
References
- IARC Global Cancer Observatory. GLOBOCAN 2024 – India fact sheet (September 2026). https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/356-india-fact-sheet.pdf
- American Cancer Society. Key statistics for lung cancer (revised 13 January 2026). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- Raman R et al. Prevalence of highly actionable mutations among Indian patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2023;19(1):158-171. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35634796/
- US FDA prescribing information for each US-approved medicine (DailyMed). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/
This page gives general information only and does not replace medical advice. All medicines listed are prescription-only and must be used under a qualified oncologist.