How much does a box of ivonib/ivitinib cost? Latest information

Ivosidenib/ Ivosidenib is a once-daily oral medicine that targets a specific genetic mutation called isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation that affects your bone marrow. Mutations in IDH1 prevent young blood cells from developing into healthy adult blood cells, leading to blood and bone marrow diseases such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Up to 20% of patients with cholangiocarcinoma and 6% to 10% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia have IDH1 mutations. Ivonib can be used to treat adults with confirmed IDH1 susceptibility mutations:

1. Newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia(AML) combined with azacitidine or monotherapy in patients 75 years of age or older with comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy; or relapsed or refractory AML;

2. Relapsed or refractory myelodysplastic syndrome;

3. Cholangiocarcinoma (cholangiocarcinoma) that progresses or spreads to other parts of the body (metastatic) after treatment with other drugs.

Avosidenib targets IDH1 mutations. In normal cells, the IDH1 gene produces IDH1 protein, which participates in normal cellular chemical processes. However, when the IDH1 gene is modified due to genetic mutations, it can lead to abnormal versions of the IDH1 protein and other substances, such as the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Ivonib reduces 2-HG levels, reduces blast cell counts, and increases mature myeloid cell levels. Blasts are undeveloped bone marrow cells that later mature into red blood cells, white blood cells, or blood-clotting platelets. They are not usually found in the blood, and their presence signals bone marrow problems such as myelodysplastic syndrome.

The original research version of ivonib tablets has been launched in the domestic market, but unfortunately, it is not included in medical insurance. The common packaging is60 tablets of 0.25g, priced at about RMB 70,000. Overseas, the price of the American original research version may soar to more than 200,000 yuan (exchange rate changes will affect the price). It is worth mentioning that generic drugs of ivonib have appeared in overseas markets. Their ingredients are similar to the original drugs at home and abroad. A 250mg 60 tablet version produced in Laos costs only more than 6,000 yuan (affected by exchange rate fluctuations).