Will larotrectinib be included in medical insurance in 2024?

Larotrectinib is an innovative TRK inhibitor specifically targeted at patients with NTRK gene fusion-positive locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. NTRKGene fusion is a rare tumor driver gene that is widely present in a variety of solid tumors, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma. Larotrectinib effectively inhibits tumor growth and spread by precisely targeting the abnormal TRK signaling pathway caused by NTRK gene fusion. It is applicable regardless of the primary site or type of the tumor. It is called "broad-spectrum anti-cancer drug". It has shown a high objective response rate (ORR) and durable efficacy in multiple clinical trials.

In China, larotrectinib has been approved for marketing, but so far it has not been included in the national medical insurance directory. Therefore, patients need to purchase the drug at their own expense. Since larotrectinib has been on the market for a short time in China, the supply in hospital pharmacies may not be comprehensive. Patients are advised to directly consult their local hospital or pharmacy for specific purchase channels.

From a price point of view, the price of larotrectinib in China has not yet been fully clarified, but based on the international market, the price of its original drug is relatively high. For example, the price of the original drug in the United States, Germany, Europe and Hong Kong is about 10,000 yuan to 2 yuan per box. In comparison, the price of generic drugs in Laos and Bangladesh is more economical, with each box selling for about 2,000 to 3,000 yuan.

Although not covered by medical insurance, larotrectinib provides a new treatment option for specific patient groups. Before using this drug, patients must undergo genetic testing to confirm that they are positive for NTRK gene fusion, and strictly follow the doctor's instructions to ensure safety and efficacy.