How much does a box of bimetinib/bemetinib targeted drug cost in 2025?

Binimetinib/Binimetinib contains the active substance binimetinib and is a drug used in adults to treat certain cancers when their cells have a genetic mutation (change) called "BRAF V600". Bimetinib is used in combination with another drug, Encorafenib, to treat melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed with surgery; and when non-small cell lung cancer is advanced and has a mutation in the version of BRAF V600E.

In cancers with theBRAF V600 mutation, there is an abnormal form of the protein BRAF, which turns on another protein called MEK, which is involved in stimulating cell division. This encourages the development of cancer by allowing uncontrolled cell division. Binimetinib works by directly blocking MEK and preventing its activation by BRAF, thereby slowing the growth and spread of cancer.

Bimetinib is only available by prescription, and treatment should be started and supervised by a doctor experienced in the use of cancer drugs. Bimetinib is available in tablet form and is taken by mouth twice daily. Treatment with bimetinib can be continued as long as the patient is benefiting from it and has no unacceptable side effects. The same goes for both drugs if patients experience serious side effects, the dose can be reduced or treatment temporarily stopped.

The original drug bimetinib has not yet been launched in China, so medical insurance has not included it in the coverage, and its selling price is still unknown. Overseas, the European version of bimetinib is commonly sold in specifications including 15 mg 84 tablets and 15 mg 168 tablets. The price per box may be as high as about 20,000 yuan (changes in exchange rates may cause price fluctuations), which is relatively expensive. It is worth mentioning that the first generic drug of bimetinib has been launched overseas, and its ingredients are similar to the original drug. For example, the 15mg*180 tablets produced by Lucius Pharmaceutical Factory in Laos may cost more than 6,000 yuan per box (the price may change due to exchange rates).

Reference materials:https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/mektovi