Is midostaurin included in medical insurance?

Midostaurin was approved in the United States in 2017 to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which can be used to treat leukemia cells if tests show they have a genetic change called an FLT3 mutation. Midostaurin is available in soft gel capsules containing 25 mg of Midostaurin under the brand name RYDAPT. Since the original drug Midostaurin has not been approved by the State Food and Drug Administration for marketing in China, it cannot yet be included in the national medical insurance reimbursement list.

Midostaurin is a targeted therapy called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. A kinase is an enzyme that promotes cell growth. There are many types of kinases that control different stages of cell growth. By blocking a special enzyme from working, the drug slows the growth of cancer cells. This drug specifically targets leukemia cells that test positive for the FLT3 mutation. Patients will be tested for this mutation before being prescribed this drug.

Midostaurin comes in capsule form and is taken orally twice a day, approximately12 hours apart. The actual dosage and number of capsules required depends on the type of cancer the patient has and the stage of treatment (induction, consolidation). Take this medication with food. Anti-nausea medications may be taken before this medication.

In overseas markets, midostaurin has been launched in multiple versions in Europe, Turkey and India. They are usually sold in specifications of 25mg*112 tablets, with a price range of approximately RMB 10,000 to RMB 70,000 (exchange rate changes may affect the actual price). In addition, generic drugs are also available in overseas markets. For example, products produced by BDR Pharmaceutical Factory in India cost approximately 9,000 yuan per box, and their drug ingredients are roughly the same as the original drugs.