Pemetinib/Is Pemetinib Pemazyre?

Pemigatinib/Pemigatinib (Pemigatinib) is widely sold overseas under the trade name Pemazyre, while in China, it is known to many patients under the name Dabotan. This drug, developed by Incyte, specifically targets the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), providing a new option for the treatment of malignant tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma.

Pemetinib is unique in that it can precisely blockFGFR activity. FGFR is a key target for cancer treatment, and its genetic changes are reflected in a variety of cancers. These receptors are found on the surface of cancer cells and are closely linked to tumor growth and spread. Pemetinib is expected to effectively slow down the progression of cancer by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity in FGFR.

In addition to cholangiocarcinoma, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved pemetinib in August 2022 for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms (MLN) associated with FGFR1 rearrangements. This development further demonstrates the broad potential of pemetinib in the fight against cancer.

However, the price of pemetinib has always been the focus of attention among patients and the medical community. In China, due to its relatively short time on the market, the drug has not yet been covered by medical insurance, resulting in higher treatment costs for patients. It is reported that The price of a box of 4.5 mg 14-tablet pemetinib may be around RMB 30,000, while the overseas version of 13.5 mg 14-tablet may be as high as RMB 70,000 (the price is affected by exchange rate fluctuations). Despite this, some countries have launched generic versions of drugs. For example, the price of drugs of the same specification produced in Laos is only about 1,000 yuan, providing patients with a more economical choice.