Indications for Tepotinib

Tepotinib is an antineoplastic agent and a mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tepotinib is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping alterations (designated as an orphan drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Current indications are based on objective response rates and duration of response in trials of tepotinib.

Before patients start treatment, doctors will confirm the presence of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping changes in tumor specimens. Use plasma specimens only if tumor biopsy is not possible; if MET exon 14 skipping alterations are not detected in plasma, reassess the feasibility of tumor biopsy. Monitor for symptoms of interstitial lung disease or pneumonia (such as difficulty breathing, cough, fever). Serum AST, ALT, and bilirubin concentrations every 2 weeks for the first 3 months of treatment, then monthly or as clinically indicated. If hepatotoxicity occurs, more frequent monitoring may be required.

The original drug Tepotinib is already on the market in China, but it is not yet eligible for medical insurance. Tepotinib Original drug currently marketed overseas is relatively expensive, and the price of each box of 225mg*30 tablets may be around RMB 80,000 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). There are already generic Tepotinib drugs produced in other countries. The ingredients of these generic drugs are basically the same as those of the original drug, but the price is relatively cheap. For example, the price of 225mg*60 tablets produced by a Laos pharmaceutical factory may be more than 8,000 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).