In recognition of AML World Awareness Day, AbbVie has announced its entry into India’s oncology sector with the launch of Venetoclax, a treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). This marks a significant step in addressing the growing burden of blood cancers in the country.

AML is a fast-progressing blood and bone marrow cancer known for its limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Venetoclax, a first-in-class BCL-2 inhibitor, works by targeting and eliminating cancer cells, offering a new treatment pathway for patients—especially those who cannot tolerate traditional chemotherapy due to age or comorbidities.

According to data from AIIMS Delhi, AML affects approximately 2.5 per 100,000 people in India, underlining the urgent need for more accessible and effective treatments. Venetoclax is particularly valuable in the Indian context, where challenges such as late diagnosis, limited access to advanced care, and an ageing population complicate cancer treatment.

With its oral administration and patient-friendly regimen, Venetoclax allows for personalised treatment plans that cater to individual tolerance levels and overall health conditions. This innovation brings hope to medically fragile patients, offering a targeted, less intensive approach to managing one of the most aggressive forms of blood cancer.