Apelix original drug: similarities and differences between the European version and the Indian version

Alpelisib (Alpelisib), a kinase inhibitor, has demonstrated its therapeutic effect in the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, especially in patients with PIK3CA mutations. As the drug is widely marketed around the world, its efficacy has been widely recognized by the medical community. However, high drug prices often lead patients to seek more economical purchasing options, such as the European or Indian versions of Apelvis. According to the information currently available, there is no Hong Kong version of the original drug or generic drug of Apelvis officially on the market.

The original drug of Apelvis is developed and produced by the Swiss company Novartis (Novartis Ltd). The drug has received official approval and strict supervision in many regions around the world, including the United States, Europe and India. Its component, Alpelisib, is specifically indicated for the treatment of certain types of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, namely hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, PIK3-mutated breast cancer in postmenopausal women and men. The therapeutic effect is even better when used in combination with the anti-estrogen drug Fulvestrant.

For patients, whether they buy the European version or the Indian version of Apelvis, as long as they are produced by Novartis, the drug ingredients and therapeutic effects will be the same. The only difference is the price. Due to cost differences in R&D and production, the price of the European version of Apelvis is usually higher. For example, each box (150mg of 56 tablets) may cost more than 40,000 yuan. Relatively speaking, the Indian version of drugs is more affordable due to the cost advantages and market competition of the domestic pharmaceutical industry. Taking each box (150 mg 28 tablets) as an example, the price may be only more than 5,000 RMB (the price may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations).