Merck's Pratima Reddy: The Indian market focus is slowly leaning more towards other sectors, and one such extension is oncology.

With multiple lifestyle changes, the cancer diagnosis rate in the country today is exceptionally high compared to previous years' data. With an increased cancer burden on health systems and high unmet medical needs, Asia Pacific sees considerably high cancer mortality rates.

As early innovators in immuno-oncology and precision medicine, Merck continues to take a biology-focused approach as we develop our portfolio and pipeline.

Our newest drug Bavencio launched last year in our oncology therapy unit, is already making a difference in patients' lives. Bavencio is co-marketed by Merck and Pfizer in India and globally. We are building conviction through in-market activities - global expert meets, peer-to-peer meets reached an all-time high this year (engaging more than 2,000 doctors). With the increasing unmet need of Indian cancer patients, the launch of Bavencio is a beacon of hope for many patients in India.

This gives us the confidence to look at indications that require globally successful therapies. We are always looking for opportunities to bring global brands to India. We focus on enhancing access to our portfolio of medicines across the country. With a renewed mission post-COVID, we are now designed to amplify each therapy area's strengths. There are ongoing conversations around bringing some immunotherapy drugs to India because there is such a need that stands out in the country.

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