Thailand has marked a significant triumph in its medical landscape by creating its inaugural oral cancer treatments, greatly enhancing patient access and diminishing dependence on expensive foreign drugs. This milestone is driven by the foresight of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana, whose lifelong commitment to advancing healthcare has culminated in the introduction of two groundbreaking cancer therapies: TYROBLOCK 100 and BREASTERA.
TYROBLOCK 100: A Leap Forward
In May 2025, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greenlit TYROBLOCK 100, a testament to the nation’s pharmaceutical innovation. Developed independently without reliance on overseas technology, this drug targets the tyrosine kinase enzyme, curbing cancer progression with precision and reduced side effects. It offers hope for patients battling:
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Chronic myeloid leukemia
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Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
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Rare dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
Unlike its imported counterpart, imatinib, which carries a hefty price tag and limited coverage under national health programs, TYROBLOCK 100 provides an affordable, locally produced alternative, expanding treatment access and improving patient outcomes across Thailand.
The Chulabhorn Vision
This breakthrough stems from the establishment of the Royal Pharmaceutical Production Facility at Phimanmas Residence in Chonburi Province in 2020, spearheaded by Her Royal Highness. Certified to global GMDP PIC/S standards, this state-of-the-art plant is Thailand’s first fully integrated hub for cancer drug development, seamlessly bridging research, production, and patient care.
TYROBLOCK 100 is now in use at Chulabhorn Hospital, a premier cancer treatment center, which began administering the drug in July 2025. Supported by comprehensive clinical oversight, patient care systems, and outcome tracking, the hospital is pioneering a national model for integrating science and healthcare delivery.
BREASTERA: Transforming Access
Alongside TYROBLOCK 100, BREASTERA—a Thai-manufactured version of the breast cancer drug trastuzumab—has slashed treatment costs previously reaching up to THB1 million (approximately US$30,800) per course. By leveraging Thailand’s universal healthcare system, BREASTERA ensures more patients can access this critical therapy.
A Blueprint for Progress
Beyond scientific achievements, these advancements signal a bold shift toward health equity, sustainability, and pharmaceutical autonomy in Thailand. Through vertical integration and the continued guidance of Princess Prof Dr Chulabhorn, the nation is not only saving lives but also crafting a model for developing countries aiming for medical independence amid rising global drug costs.