Will neratinib/neratinib be included in medical insurance in 2024?

Neratinib, also known as neratinib, is a drug used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, used alone or in combination with other drugs. Neratinib is only suitable for treating breast cancer if the patient's tumor tests positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The HER2 protein plays an important role in promoting the growth of cancer cells. Neratinib is typically used after patients have been treated with certain other anticancer drugs and may also be used for other therapeutic purposes not mentioned in these guidelines.

Neratinib works by targeting and blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its associated kinases. In some types of cancer, these receptors are overactive, causing cells to grow and divide too quickly. Neratinib slows the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting the activity of these specific enzymes.

Currently, the original drug of neratinib has been launched in China and has been included in the reimbursement scope of Class B medical insurance in accordance with the relevant regulations of the National Medical Insurance Administration. This policy is limited to adult patients with HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer in the intensive adjuvant treatment phase after receiving trastuzumab-containing adjuvant therapy. Therefore, eligible patients can purchase neratinib at designated hospitals or pharmacies and enjoy medical insurance reimbursement. However, patients who do not qualify can only purchase the drug at their own expense.

It is understood that the price of neratinib, which is available in China, each box is 40mg*180 tablets, may be as high as about 7,000 yuan. The original drug Neratinib marketed overseas is more expensive, and the price per box may be as high as more than 10,000 US dollars, and the price will fluctuate due to various factors.