New Delhi, May 2026 – Roche Pharma India has introduced a groundbreaking subcutaneous formulation of its flagship immunotherapy drug, Tecentriq SC (atezolizumab), offering a faster and more convenient treatment option for eligible lung cancer patients. The injection, which can be administered in just seven minutes, marks a significant advancement in cancer care accessibility and patient comfort in India.
Tecentriq SC is the subcutaneous version of the established atezolizumab immunotherapy, previously available only as an intravenous (IV) infusion that typically required 30 to 60 minutes or more. The new under-the-skin injection, usually given in the thigh, drastically cuts down treatment time and is expected to reduce the overall burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare facilities.
Approved Indications and Clinical Benefits
The drug has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for use in adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is indicated for both adjuvant treatment (after surgery) and in metastatic settings. Depending on the patient’s condition, it can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapies.
Clinical data shows that the subcutaneous formulation maintains the same efficacy and safety profile as the IV version. Over 10,000 patients worldwide have already been treated with this format, demonstrating its reliability. For patients in India, where many travel long distances for treatment, this development is particularly meaningful as it minimizes hospital visits and waiting times.
Pricing and Affordability Challenges
Each vial of Tecentriq SC carries a maximum retail price (MRP) of approximately Rs 3.7 lakh. Patients generally require multiple doses — typically administered every three weeks — making the full course of treatment expensive, often ranging between Rs 11 lakh to Rs 22 lakh depending on the number of cycles needed.
The higher dose in the subcutaneous version (1,800 mg compared to 1,200 mg in IV) contributes to the pricing. While the convenience is a major plus, the cost remains a significant barrier for most Indian patients without comprehensive insurance coverage.
Support Initiatives
Roche has introduced patient support measures to improve access. The company’s Blue Tree patient assistance program offers options including interest-free EMI facilities. Additionally, Tecentriq SC has been included under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for eligible beneficiaries.
Oncologists stress the importance of biomarker testing, particularly PD-L1 expression, to determine which patients are most likely to benefit from this therapy.
A Step Forward in Cancer Care
This launch positions India among countries offering the world’s first subcutaneous atezolizumab formulation. Healthcare experts view it as a patient-centric innovation that could help ease pressure on overburdened cancer centers while improving quality of life for those undergoing treatment.
However, experts also highlight that high costs of modern immunotherapies continue to be a challenge. Greater insurance penetration, government subsidies, and local manufacturing efforts will be crucial to make such advanced treatments truly accessible to a larger population.
Patients or caregivers interested in Tecentriq SC are advised to consult their oncologists for detailed eligibility assessment and information on available support programs.
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