How much does trametinib cost in 2024? Is it expensive?

Trametinib (Trametinib) is a cancer drug that contains the active substance Trametinib and is used to treat cancer cells in adults who have a specific genetic mutation (change) in their genes called "BRAF V600." It is used to treat melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed with surgery; advanced (stage III) melanoma after surgery; advanced non-small cell lung cancer; and low-grade glioma that requires systemic therapy. Trametinib can be used alone or in combination with dabrafenib, another cancer drug.

Trametinib treatment must be started and supervised by a doctor experienced in using cancer drugs. This drug is only available with a prescription. Trametinib is available in tablets (0.5 and 2 mg) and is administered at a dose of 2 mg once daily on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) at approximately the same time each day. Trametinib can be continued as long as the patient is benefiting from it.

The original drug of trametinib has been officially launched in China and is covered by the medical insurance system, but only patients who meet specific indications can enjoy medical insurance reimbursement. Currently, the available pharmaceutical specifications on the market are: 2 mg 30 tablets and 0.5 mg 30 tablets, and the price is about 10,000 yuan per box. Overseas, especially the Turkish version of the original drug, the price is slightly lower, about 7,000 yuan per box, but the price may fluctuate with exchange rate changes. At the same time, there are also generic drugs of trametinib sold in overseas markets. The ingredients of the drug are almost the same as those of the original drug. The price of the generic drug produced by a pharmaceutical factory in Laos is very affordable, with each box selling for just over 1,000 yuan. Of course, this price will also be affected by the exchange rate.