Which generation of targeted drug is Axitinib?

Axitinib (Axitinib) is a second-generation targeted drug that belongs to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tyrosine kinase inhibitors, TKIs) family. Targeted drugs are a type of drugs specifically designed to block the growth of malignant tumors. Their mechanism of action mainly interferes with specific molecular signaling pathways in cancer cells. Compared with traditional chemotherapy drugs, they are more precise and reduce damage to normal cells.

The first generation of targeted drugs mainly inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumor cells, such as gefitinib (Gefitinib) and erlotinib (Erlotinib). With a deeper understanding of cancer biology, scientists have gradually discovered more molecules related to tumor growth and angiogenesis, providing more targets for the development of a new generation of targeted drugs.

Second generation targeted drugs, such as axitinib, mainly act on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). VEGFRPlays a key role in tumor growth because tumors need to obtain nutrients and oxygen through enhanced angiogenesis. Axitinib blocks the blood supply by inhibiting VEGFR, thereby slowing the growth of tumor cells.

The second generation of targeted drugs is more selective and effective than the first generation, and can inhibit the growth of cancer cells more effectively. However, with the deepening of research, third-generation targeted drugs are also emerging to more precisely intervene in the signaling pathways of cancer cells.

Axitinib has been launched in China and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. The price of 5mg*28 tablets is about 5,000 to 6,000 yuan. For specific prices, please consult the local hospital pharmacy. There are original and generic axitinib drugs abroad. The original drug is Pfizer's original drug, and the price is about 6,000 yuan; the generic drugs are mainly Bangladeshi generics and Indian generics. The price of Bangladeshi generics in 5mg*60 tablets is more than 1,000 yuan, and the price of Indian generics is around a few hundred yuan. The ingredients of original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same.