How much does a box of brigatinib/brigatinib cost after medical insurance?

Brigatinib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test. Before treatment, based on the presence of ALK positivity in tumor specimens, doctors will choose to use brigatinib to treat patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Brigatinib is an inhibitor of ALK, which was first identified as a chromosomal rearrangement in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Genetic studies have shown that abnormal expression of ALK is a key driver of certain types of non-small cell lung cancer and neuroblastoma, as well as ALCL. Because ALK is not normally expressed in normal adult tissues, it represents a very promising molecular target for cancer therapy. Brigatinib inhibits reactive oxygen species proto-oncogene-1 fusion and EGFR mutations, and has significant effects on the central nervous system.

The original drug of brigatinib has been launched in China and has been included in Class B medical insurance. Common drug specifications on the market include 30 mg 14 tablets in 2 boards, 90 mg 7 tablets or 7 tablets 4 boards, and 180 mg 7 tablets 4 boards. However, it is expensive, each box may reach about 10,000 yuan, and the reimbursement ratio is different in different regions. The price after reimbursement may be different. Please consult the local medical insurance bureau or hospital for details.

At the same time, overseas markets also provide relatively low-priced generic drugs of brigatinib. The active ingredients of these generic drugs are highly similar to those of the original drugs sold at home and abroad. Take a generic drug of 90 mg and 30 tablets produced by a Bangladeshi pharmaceutical factory as an example. The price per box is about 2,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rate changes).