Science & TechnologyHealth
News 0 of 32

7 Indian Firms Develop Generic Keytruda; Patent Expires June 2028, Bio Pharma SHAKTI Scheme ₹10,000 Cr

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
15 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:June 2028> ₹3 lakh70%₹10,000 crore
Bodies:CDSCOBIRACWHOIndian Patent OfficeDelhi High CourtSupreme Court
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Keytruda's patent expires in June 2028, allowing 7+ Indian firms (Sun, Hetero, Intas) to develop generic versions, potentially cutting costs by 70%.

2.The government launched Bio Pharma SHAKTI, a ₹10,000 crore scheme to build a domestic biosimilars ecosystem focusing on cancer and autoimmune drugs.

3.The case highlights complex patent strategies and the need for regulatory reform to accelerate biosimilar entry, as seen with trastuzumab and nivolumab.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The impending patent expiry (June 2028) of the expensive cancer drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) opens the door for affordable Indian biosimilars. Seven domestic firms are in development, which could slash prices by ~70% and reduce import dependency, aided by the new ₹10,000 crore Bio Pharma SHAKTI scheme.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Keytruda Patent ExpiryJune 2028
Current Cost per 200mg Dose> ₹3 lakh
Potential Price Drop with BiosimilarsUp to 70%
Bio Pharma SHAKTI Scheme Outlay₹10,000 crore

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Keytruda Patent Expiry: June 2028
  • ›Current Cost per 200mg Dose: > ₹3 lakh
  • ›Target this Data: Patent expiry of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) - June 2028.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) under Ministry of Health.
  • ›Target this Scheme: Bio Pharma SHAKTI - ₹10,000 crore for domestic biosimilars.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which organization is India's national regulatory authority for approval of drugs and clinical trials, as mentioned in the article?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the news:

1. The Bio Pharma SHAKTI scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore aims to build a domestic ecosystem for biosimilars.

2. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a checkpoint inhibitor drug used in cancer immunotherapy.

3. For a biosimilar to be marketed in India, no clinical trials are required as per current regulations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, by when is the patent for the cancer drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) set to expire in India?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the Bio Pharma SHAKTI scheme mentioned in the news?

All 25 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Science & Tech Current Affairs

CDSCO Approves Qdenga: India's First Dengue Vaccine to be Distributed by Dr Reddy's from 2027

India’s first approved dengue vaccine Qdenga will enter the private market in 2027 via Dr Reddy’s, after CDSCO approval in July 2026. The vaccine is effective against all four serotypes, requires no pre-vaccination screening, and shows 61.2% efficacy against dengue and 84.1% against hospitalization. This is a landmark step in India's fight against dengue.

Polity Current Affairs

MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question

Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.

Social Issues Current Affairs

NOTTO Reports 20,000+ Transplants in 2025, Launches Portal and Swap Guidelines

NOTTO released 2025 data showing over 20,000 transplants, persistent gender disparity in organ donation (68% female donors vs 78% male recipients), and launched a new digital portal to enhance transparency. New swap transplantation guidelines aim to expand matching beyond single hospitals, but legal recognition under THOTA is still pending.

Social Issues Current Affairs

Meta Trial: $567 Mn Penalty for Child Addiction, 29-State Probe on Social Media Design

A US trial against Meta over addictive social media design for children could reshape Big Tech accountability. With penalties of $567 million and a $6 million jury verdict, this case highlights the growing scrutiny of platform design and its impact on youth mental health, a key issue for GS2 (Social Justice) and GS3 (Technology).

Science & Tech Current Affairs

India's AI Pipeline: 43% Women STEM Graduates, Only 10% in Leadership – Need for Inclusive AI

India's AI ambition faces a hidden gender crisis: women drop from 43% of STEM graduates to just 10% of senior AI leadership. This pipeline leakage, driven by social barriers and digital divide, risks automating existing inequalities. For exam aspirants, this article provides critical data on gender disparity in tech and the imperative for inclusive AI development.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Rules BCI Cannot Discipline Law Students; Manipur Ethnic Violence Toll 306 Dead, 49 Missing Since 2023

A landmark Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the Bar Council of India (BCI) has no disciplinary authority over law students, limiting its powers under the Advocates Act, 1961 to registered advocates only. Meanwhile, Manipur's Home Minister disclosed in the Assembly that 306 people have been killed and 49 are missing in ethnic violence since May 2023. These two developments carry significant weight for UPSC Polity and Social Issues sections.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Upholds NCTE's Power for TEI Performance Reports; 450 B.Ed Colleges Show-Caused

Supreme Court upheld NCTE's power to require annual Performance Appraisal Reports from Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), overturning a 2023 Delhi HC ruling. Amid quality concerns, West Bengal issued show-cause notices to 450 B.Ed colleges. This ruling strengthens regulatory oversight crucial for NEP 2020's teacher education reforms.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Upholds NCTE Notice: TEIs Must File Annual Appraisal Reports Under RTE Act

The Supreme Court has upheld the authority of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to require all Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) to file annual Performance Appraisal Reports. This judgment reinforces the regulatory power of NCTE, links the RTE Act's academic authority provisions, and expands the concept of 'duty-bearers' to include TEIs and NCTE itself. For exam aspirants, this is a key case in education governance, statutory interpretation, and fundamental rights.