Alkem Laboratories Faces GST Demand and Launches Breakthrough Cancer Treatment
Alkem Laboratories received a GST demand of Rs. 35.11 crore with a Rs. 3.51 crore penalty, which they plan to contest. The company also launched Pertuza, a pertuzumab biosimilar for HER2-positive breast cancer in India, aiming to improve accessibility and affordability of cancer treatments. Alkem reported strong quarterly results with revenue of ₹3,371.00 crore, up 11% year-on-year, and net profit of ₹668.00 crore, up 21.50%.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Alkem Laboratories has made headlines with two significant developments: a GST demand and the launch of a breakthrough cancer treatment.
GST Demand and Penalty
Alkem Laboratories has received a GST appeal order demanding Rs. 35.11 crore along with a penalty of Rs. 3.51 crore. The pharmaceutical company has announced its intention to contest this order, signaling a potential legal challenge ahead.
Innovative Treatment for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
In a separate development, Alkem has launched Pertuza, a pertuzumab biosimilar, for HER2-positive breast cancer in India. This marks a crucial step towards improving accessibility and affordability of advanced cancer treatments in the country.
Pertuza, an injection of 420mg/14mL, is an indigenously-developed and manufactured biosimilar of pertuzumab. The drug has demonstrated equivalence in efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to the reference product in a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial conducted by Alkem's biotech subsidiary.
Addressing Accessibility Challenges
Dr. Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Alkem, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, "Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, and addressing its growing burden requires treatments that are effective, accessible and affordable." The company aims to make this critical therapy available to thousands of women each year who would otherwise be excluded due to cost barriers.
Strengthening Oncology Portfolio
The introduction of Pertuza further solidifies Alkem's position in the oncology sector. The company's growing portfolio includes other key products such as:
- Cetuximab biosimilar
- Denosumab biosimilar
- Bevacizumab biosimilar
- Romiplostim biosimilar
About Alkem Laboratories
Alkem Laboratories, with a 50-year legacy, stands as the fifth largest pharmaceutical company in the Indian market. The company boasts:
- 19 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities
- Cutting-edge research and development (R&D) centers across India and the US
- A strong presence in therapy areas including anti-infectives, gastrointestinal, pain management drugs, and supplements
- A growing portfolio in chronic therapies such as diabetes, neurology, cardiology, dermatology, and urology
With the motto "Inspiring Healthier Lives," Alkem continues to reinforce its commitment to global health improvement through innovative and accessible medical solutions.
Financial Performance
In its latest quarterly results, Alkem Laboratories reported strong financial performance:
Metric | Result | Year-on-Year Change |
---|---|---|
Revenue | ₹3,371.00 crore | 11.00% |
Net Profit | ₹668.00 crore | 21.50% |
EBITDA | ₹739.00 crore | 21.30% |
EBITDA Margin | 21.90% | 190 bps |
Despite the positive results, the company's shares ended 1% lower at ₹5,486.00 on the NSE.
The launch of Pertuza represents a significant step forward in Alkem's mission to combine scientific excellence with wider access to critical therapies, potentially benefiting numerous patients across India. However, the company now faces the challenge of addressing the GST demand while continuing its efforts in medical innovation and accessibility.
Historical Stock Returns for Alkem Laboratories
1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
-1.36% | -1.96% | +0.20% | +8.59% | -12.33% | +95.75% |