Will lorlatinib/lorlatinib enter the medical insurance in 2024?

In 2024, lorlatinib/lorlatinib has been officially included in medical insurance and is specifically used for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The drug was approved for marketing by the National Medical Products Administration in April 2022. It is an innovative oral anti-cancer drug.

The main mechanism of action of lorlatinib is to inhibit the activity of ALK (tyrosine kinase) and ROS1 proteins to prevent abnormal signal transduction, thereby inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is administered orally and the drug is rapidly absorbed, usually reaching peak concentrations within hours. According to clinical recommendations, the recommended dose of lorlatinib is 100 mg orally once daily, and patients can choose to take it with or without food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

When using lorlatinib, it should be done under the guidance of a professional doctor. Studies have shown that a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 1000 calories, of which 150 calories are from protein, 250 calories from carbohydrates, and 500-600 calories from fat) has no clinical impact on the pharmacokinetics of lorlatinib. This means that patients can maintain a normal diet while taking the medication without affecting the effectiveness of the medication.

Lorlatinib is not only approved in China, but also recognized as a second- or third-line treatment for ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in other countries such as the United States and Europe. Of particular concern is that lorlatinib has significant anti-cancer activity against ALK G1202R mutations in lung cancer, which gives it unique advantages in the treatment of specific types of lung cancer. Although lorlatinib has been included in medical insurance, its price is still relatively high, usually between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan. The reimbursement ratio may vary in different regions, so patients must consult the local medical insurance bureau or relevant hospitals when purchasing to understand the specific reimbursement policy and actual payment situation.