Thailand: Princess starts cancer revolution with 2 local treatments

Thanks to Princess Chulabhorn's commitment, Thailand is developing its own targeted cancer treatments.

A step that could transform access to treatment for thousands of patients.

Two innovative treatments made in Thailand

Two new locally manufactured targeted cancer treatments, “HERDARA” and “IMCRANIB 100,” are poised to revolutionize patient access and reduce reliance on costly imports.

By producing these medicines on its own soil, Thailand reduces its dependence on expensive imports...

“targeted cancer drugs” locally offers a crucial advantage: better access for patients.

Hope for patients and the healthcare system

These highly specialized drugs are usually sold at exorbitant prices.

For example, the imported version of "Trastuzumab" , a drug now being reproduced in Thailand, can cost around 1 million baht (26,248 euros) per treatment, or around 100,000 baht (2,624 euros) per injection.

Although the universal "Gold Card" health system offers some coverage, it often comes with strict conditions.

Targeted therapy drugs work by specifically attacking cancer cells, precisely destroying or inhibiting them while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

This approach significantly reduces the serious side effects often associated with traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and makes it easier to adjust treatment plans based on the progression of each patient's disease.

When a Thai princess advances the fight against cancer

This historic breakthrough is attributed to the vision and compassion of Princess Chulabhorn, a professor and doctor of science.

The Princess's visionary approach to public health has always prioritized the advancement of medicine and public health in Thailand.

Recognizing the enormous financial burden and difficulties faced by ordinary citizens in accessing effective, but expensive, biological medicines, especially for cancer, she initiated and laid the foundation for the development of biological medicines at the national level.

This led to the establishment of the ' Biology Research and Development Center' , where researchers from the Chulabhorn Research Institute were tasked with developing and engineering biological drugs that met strict international standards for effective use by patients.

This initiative not only promotes national autonomy in pharmaceutical production, but also strengthens drug safety and limits large capital outflows.

Thailand boosts cancer drug production

Most recently, on May 20, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand (FDA), which is under the Ministry of Public Health, approved the registration of “HERDARA” .

This revolutionary drug, developed through local biological research, is similar to "Trastuzumab" and is used to treat breast cancer and other malignant tumors.

It is notably the first biological drug produced in Thailand without resorting to foreign technology transfer.

Similarly, IMCRANIB 100 has been developed for various cancers, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).

This drug works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosine kinase, which effectively suppresses the growth and spread of cancer cells, thus allowing better disease control and fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Although imatinib, the active ingredient in IMCRANIB 100, is already reimbursed by health insurance funds for several conditions, certain diseases and stages are currently subject to restrictions.

Domestic production will help overcome these restrictions by expanding the availability of the drug to all indicated treatments, which will ultimately increase the possibilities of disease control, alleviate suffering and truly improve the quality of life of patients.

IMCRANIB 100 is produced under the Royal Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant , located in Phra Tamnak Phimanmas, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province.

Established in 2020, this facility is Thailand's first modern, integrated and complete prototype plant for pharmaceutical production.

It strengthens research and development capabilities for drugs for cancer patients, from initial research to final product.

It is also the first cancer drug manufacturing facility in Thailand to receive the international GMDP PIC/s (Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice) certification, which attests to its strong capabilities in pharmaceutical research.

Clinical use as early as July 2025

Chulabhorn Hospital, a center specializing in cancer treatment, will begin using “IMCRANIB 100” from July 2025.

Its oncology center will play a vital role in systematically translating medical knowledge and the potential for domestic production of high-quality medicines into practical applications for patients.

See also:

Lung cancer rates increase in Thailand due to air pollution

Thailand introduces tobacco-based treatment for cancer

4 Cannabis Strains from Thailand Could Help Fight Cancer

Monitor Lizard Blood Studied in Thailand to Treat Cancer and Covid-19

Source: The Nation Thailand