How to get dostarlimab in Russia: All you need to know

If you're a patient with a mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) cancer, you will have certainly heard about dostarlimab by now.

This novel therapy was first approved in the USA in 2021, for use in endometrial cancer. Later the same year, it was also approved for use in dMMR solid tumors, including colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers ¹. At the end of 2024, dostarlimab continued to bring excitement to the cancer treatment community. It reported a 100% effectiveness in treating dMMR or MSI-H rectal cancer during a phase 2 trial ².

But what do all these approvals mean for patients in Russia? Is dostarlimab approved there? And how can you get the treatment before it's available to Russian patients?

What types of cancer can dostarlimab treat?

Currently, dostarlimab is approved for the following indications.

Endometrial cancer:

• in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by Jemperli as a single agent, for adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
• as a single agent for adult patients with dMMR recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer who progressed on prior platinum-based treatment and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation ³.

Mismatch Repair Deficient (dMMR) Recurrent/Advanced Solid Tumors:

• As a single agent for adult patients with dMMR recurrent/advanced solid tumors (including colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers), after prior treatment ³.

Is dostarlimab approved for rectal cancer?

Not yet. However, in December 2024, it was granted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA in the USA for treating dMMR/MSI-H rectal cancer. This designation was based on the reported results of a Phase 2 clinical trial, which demonstrated 100% effectiveness in this patient population ².

If dostarlimab achieves a similar result in its ongoing Phase 2 AZUR-1 trial, its path to approval for use in rectal cancer should be clear.

Is dostarlimab approved in Russia?

As of January 2025, no. However, this doesn't mean that patients in Russia cannot start a treatment with this medicine.

If your treating doctor believes the treatment could benefit your condition, they have the right to prescribe it and there are quick, safe, and legal ways to access the medicine in Russia, even though it is not yet available in the country.

Can your doctor in Russia prescribe dostarlimab for rectal cancer?

Theoretically, yes. Although the medicine is not approved for this indication yet, your doctor has the authority to prescribe it for off-label use. They can do so on the basis of the available clinical trial results, a potential consultation with a colleague involved in clinical studies, as well as taking your personal situation into account.

How to buy dostarlimab in Russia

Are you a patient with endometrial cancer or dMMR/MSI-H solid cancer? If Jemperli (dostarlimab) has been prescribed to you, you can access it before it's approved or available in Russia. This is possible thanks to the so-called Named Patient Import regulation.

According to this regulation, patients with life-threatening or debilitating conditions can buy and import medicines from abroad, as long as these medicines:

• are approved somewhere in the world;
• are without a local alternative;
• are for personal use only;
• are prescribed by the patient's treating doctor.

If you have a prescription for dostarlimab, you can purchase it immediately via Everyone.org. Simply click on the button below.

Delivery options for dostarlimab in Russia

When ordering dostarlimab from Russia (or on behalf of a patient based in Russia), there are two delivery options. One is to ship the medicine directly to a pharmacy in Russia. The other option is to make the medicine available for pick up from one of our partner pharmacies in Europe (Germany, The Netherlands, or Luxembourg).

Here are the differences.

Shipping dostarlimab to Russia

Everyone.org can support you with shipping dostarlimab to Russia. However, note that this will require an import permit. You as a patient, together with your doctor, are responsible for applying for this permit directly with the Russian Ministry of Health.

Officially, receiving an import permit in Russia takes between 7 and 30 days.

Picking up dostarlimab from our partner pharmacies

Everyone.org can also make the medicine available for pick up in one of our partner pharmacies - in Germany, The Netherlands, or Luxembourg). The patient or anyone on their behalf can pick up the medicine and bring it to Russia themselves. In this case, an import permit is typically not necessary, so it can be a faster option if you're pressed for time.

Are you looking to buy dostarlimab in Russia? Share your prescription with our expert team, so we can support you in getting the medicine you need right away.

References:

1. Jemperli FDA Approval History. Drugs.com, Accessed 15 January 2025.
2. Dostarlimab-gxly Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Rectal Cancer. Cancer Network, Accessed 15 January 2025.
3. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. GSKPro for Healthcare Professionals, Accessed 15 January 2025.