Is nintedanib an imported drug? How much will it cost in 2025?

Nintedanib (Nintedanib) is an oral small molecule drug mainly used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It can also be used to treat systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease and chronic fibrosing interstitial lung disease with a progressive phenotype. As a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nintedanib reduces fibrosis and tumor progression by inhibiting receptors for multiple growth factors, thereby improving patient survival and quality of life. Its mechanism is mainly through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), etc., to slow down the progression of related diseases.

Imported drugs usually refer to drugs produced abroad and imported and sold from abroad or from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in my country. In China, the original research version of nintedanib is officially marketed as"nintedanib ethanesulfonate soft capsules" (brand name: Vegat/OFev), so it is an imported drug. Treatment with nintedanib should be initiated by a physician experienced in diagnosing and treating the drug for its indication. Before starting treatment, liver function tests and a pregnancy test should be performed. After being launched in China, it was also included in the reimbursement scope of Class B medical insurance, which greatly reduced the cost of treatment for patients who meet the indications. However, for non-indicated patients, nintedanib needs to be purchased at their own expense, and the price is generally higher. In the Chinese market, the common specification is 30 capsules per box, divided into two dosages: 100mg and 150mg, with a market price of about 4,000 yuan or more.

In addition to the version available in China, there are also versions produced in other countries on the international market, such as nintedanib from Türkiye and India. The specifications of these products are usually 60 capsules per box, and the dosage is also 100mg and 150mg. Due to exchange rate changes, the price of these imported drugs is generally between 4,000 and 5,000 yuan. What is even more noteworthy is that some foreign generic drugs, such as nintedanib produced by manufacturers such as BDR in India, ASEAN in Laos, and Beacon in Bangladesh, have similar ingredients to the original drugs, but the price is significantly lower, usually around 600 yuan, and may change due to exchange rate fluctuations.

Reference materials:https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615009.html