Is the charity drug donation of pemetinib/pemetinib real?

Pemigatinib/Pemigatinib (Pemigatinib) is a molecular kinase inhibitor with anti-tumor activity that inhibits FGFRs. FGFR is a receptor tyrosine kinase that activates signaling pathways in tumor cells. Pemetinib is currently approved in many countries for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with FGFR2 fusions or other rearrangements. Pemetinib is administered orally and is available as 4.5 mg, 9 mg and 13.5 mg tablets.

The recommended starting dose of pemetinib is 13.5 mg, administered orally for 14 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off, in a 21-day cycle. The product monograph states that treatment will be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In addition, when phosphate levels are >5.5 mg/dL, it is recommended to start a low-phosphate diet, and when levels are >7 mg/dL, additional phosphate-lowering therapy should be considered. Adjust the dose of phosphate-lowering therapy until phosphate levels return to less than (≤)7 mg/dL. It is recommended that discontinuation of phosphate-lowering therapy be considered during interruptions of pemetinib therapy or when phosphate levels fall below normal.

Pemetinib is relatively expensive in many countries. Taking China as an example, the price of each box may be more than 40,000 yuan, and the price of the overseas original version is even as high as more than 70,000 yuan. Due to its high treatment costs, many patients face financial pressure. To this end, the manufacturer of pemetinib may launch a charity drug donation program aimed at helping patients with difficult financial conditions who cannot afford the drug.

However, due to limited charity resources, usually only patients who meet certain criteria can apply for and receive assistance. These conditions may include the patient's financial status, severity of illness, treatment needs, etc. Therefore, patients who intend to apply for charitable drug donations need to understand the relevant application conditions and procedures and submit necessary application materials to relevant agencies.