How much does a course of treatment of melphalan/melphalan for injection cost?

Melphalan for injection/Melphalan flufenamide is a new type of anti-tumor drug mainly used to treat multiple myeloma. However, because the original version of the drug has not yet been launched in the Chinese market, patients cannot obtain the drug through the medical insurance system. Therefore, many patients have to seek overseas channels to obtain the drug, which in turn involves the issue of its price.

In overseas markets, especially in Europe, the selling price of melphalan for injection is usually higher. For example, the price of an original drug with a specification of 50mg*1 per box may exceed RMB 1,000. However, the actual transaction price will be affected by exchange rate fluctuations, and patients need to consider this factor when purchasing. In addition, since there are no generic versions of the drug on the market, patients can only choose the original version, which further drives up the cost of treatment.

Specifically, the cost of a course of treatment usually includes the cost of melphalan and the cost of the auxiliary drug dexamethasone. Based on the recommended dosage, the usual dose of melphalan for injection is 40 mg administered intravenously on Day 1 of each 28-day cycle. Dexamethasone is administered orally or intravenously on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle. In patients over 75 years of age, the dose of dexamethasone should be reduced to 20 mg. This means patients will also have to bear the additional cost of dexamethasone during each cycle.

Since the procurement of melphalan for injection relies mostly on overseas channels, the related costs also include additional costs such as international transportation and tariffs, which may significantly increase the financial burden on patients. In some cases, drug transport times may also affect continuity of treatment, causing patients to have to wait longer for their next treatment.