Can imported Lenvatinib be reimbursed?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Eisai’s Lenvatinib (Lenvatinib) in February 2015, an oral prescription approved for the treatment of the following diseases, including Differentiated thyroid cancer (after failed attempts at radioactive iodine), advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), which can be used with another targeted therapy called everolimus, inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer; HCC), endometrial cancer (a type of uterine cancer), which can be used with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab used together.

Lenvatinib is classified as an oral multi-receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor that blocks proteins that promote cancer cell growth. It also inhibits signaling to help slow the growth of new blood vessels (called angiogenesis) in existing blood vessels that support tumor growth. Abnormal angiogenesis can occur in cancer, degenerative eye diseases, and other medical conditions involving inflammation.

LenvatinibThe original drug has been launched in China. It is an imported drug and is covered by Class B medical insurance. The price of 4mg*30 tablets per box may be more than 3,000 yuan. Patients in need can use medical insurance for reimbursement. Lenvatinib original drug currently on the market overseas, specifications 4mg*30 capsules, may cost more than 1,000 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). Lenvatinib generic drugs are also produced and marketed overseas. Their drug ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drugs sold domestically and abroad, but the price is cheaper. For example, the price of a box of 4mg*30 tablets produced by a Bangladesh pharmaceutical factory may be RMB 800 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).