How much does Crizotinib cost?

Crizotinib is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body. It is also used to treat a certain type of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that comes back or does not respond to other treatments in some adults and children 1 year and older.

Crizotinib is also used to treat a certain type of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT; a cancer that develops in mucosal tissue, usually in the abdomen and involves the lungs, bladder, stomach, uterus, liver, or intestines) that cannot be treated with surgery or that does not improve or relapses after previous treatment in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Crizotinib belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors, which work by blocking the effects of a naturally occurring substance that may be necessary to help cancer cells multiply. Crizotinib had a lower percentage of adverse side effects and longer progression-free survival than patients who received chemotherapy.

The original drug Crizotinib has been launched in China and is covered by medical insurance, but it is only reimbursed for patients who meet the indications. The price per box may be around RMB 15,000. The price of the original Turkish version of Crizotinib sold overseas may be more than RMB 10,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is expensive. There are also cheaper generic crizotinib drugs available overseas. The ingredients are basically similar to those of the original drugs sold domestically and abroad. For example, the price of 250mg*60 tablets produced by a Bangladesh pharmaceutical factory may be more than 2,000 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).