Why is a box of crizotinib so expensive?

Crizotinib (Crizotinib) is a new drug and targeted drug. Its research and development process involves multiple stages, including drug discovery, chemical synthesis, pre-clinical research, clinical trials, etc. These stages require massive financial investment and scientific research support. Due to the high risk of research and development projects, the success rate is low; although crizotinib is effective in the treatment of certain rare diseases and special diseases, its market demand is relatively small and the competition is relatively small. This can lead to relatively high drug prices.

Crizotinib is indicated for the treatment of ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or relapsed or refractory systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL); it is also indicated for the treatment of unresectable, relapsed or refractory inflammatory anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). The active substance in crizotinib is an RTK inhibitor. It works primarily by blocking the activity of ALK or ROS1, including when genetic changes are present, thereby reducing cancer growth and spread in ALK-positive ALCL and IMT and ALK- and ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

In China, the price of the original drug crizotinib is relatively high, and each box of 250 mg and 60 capsules may cost more than 10,000 yuan. Fortunately, domestically marketed drugs have been included in the scope of Class B medical insurance, which allows patients who meet the indications to enjoy certain price discounts when purchasing. In contrast, the price of generic crizotinib drugs marketed overseas is more affordable, and its drug ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drug. For example, the price of 250mg*60 tablets per box produced by pharmaceutical factories in Bangladesh and Laos may be around 2,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).