Is capmatinib generic drug available in Laos?

As of August 2024, there are multiple Laotian versions of Capmatinib on the market overseas, mainly in the category of generic drugs. Capmatinib is a potent and selective methionine receptor inhibitor that has shown in vitro and in vivo activity in various methionine-activated cancer models. Common manufacturers may include Laos Lucius Pharmaceuticals, Daxiong Pharmaceuticals, United Pharmaceuticals, Element Pharmaceuticals, etc. The drugs they produce are basically the same as the original drugs in terms of drug ingredients, specifications, and efficacy, but there are some differences in manufacturers or prices.

Capmatinib demonstrated significant antitumor activity in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET)exon14 skipping mutations, particularly in those who had not previously been treated. In MET-amplified advanced non-small cell lung cancer, tumors with high gene copy numbers are more effective than tumors with low gene copy numbers. In addition, capmatinib crosses the blood-brain barrier. Preliminary clinical data show capmatinib monotherapy has mild toxic effects and promising efficacy in patients with methionine dysregulated non-small cell lung cancer. Mild peripheral edema and nausea were the main toxicities.

In order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of generic drugs, Laos’ drug regulatory authorities need to strictly review and supervise the production process of generic drugs, including the quality of raw materials, compliance of production facilities, and clinical trial data of the final product. Currently, the Lao version of the generic version of Capmatinib sold overseas has a common specification of 200mg*56 tablets per box, and the price per box may range from 3,000 RMB (price may fluctuate due to exchange rate effects).