How many boxes of pemetinib/pemetinib can be taken a month and how much does it cost?

Pemigatinib/ Pemigatinib, sold under the brand name Pemazyre, is an anticancer drug used to treat bile duct cancer (CCA). PemiginibPemiginib belongs to a group of drugs called protein kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking part of the receptor (target) of enzymes called protein kinases, specifically those called fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR). FGFR exists on the surface of cancer cells and is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking tyrosine kinases in FGFR, pemetinib has the potential to reduce the growth and spread of cancer.

Pemetinib is available as an oral tablet. This medication is available by prescription only, and treatment must be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease acutely. For patients with bile duct cancer, the taking cycle is three weeks, of which two weeks (14 days) take pemetinib 13.5 mg daily, and then one week without taking any medicine. Treatment can be continued as long as the patient benefits from it and side effects are manageable.

Pemetinib, this drug is known as pemetinib tablets in China. Although it is on the market, it has not yet been included in the scope of medical insurance. It is sold in two specifications: 4.5mg*14 tablets and 9mg*14 tablets. The price range is between RMB 20,000 and RMB 50,000 per box. It is roughly calculated that patients will need about two boxes for one month's use, and the price per month may be less than RMB 100,000. In overseas markets, the original drug of pemetinib with the same specifications is more expensive. Taking 13.5mg*14 tablets as an example, the price per box may exceed RMB 70,000 (affected by exchange rate changes).

However, patients overseas can also choose generic versions of pemetinib, which have very similar ingredients to the original drug. The price of 14 tablets of 4.5 mg produced by Lucius Pharmaceuticals in Laos is only about 800 yuan per box (may fluctuate due to exchange rate effects). Patients may only need a few thousand yuan for a month's use, and the price is much lower than the original drug.