Is Erdafitinib an oral medication?

Erdafitinib (Erdafitinib) is the active ingredient in BALVERSA and is a kinase inhibitor. It is administered orally as 3mg, 4mg or 5mg film-coated tablets. It is a new pan-FGFR inhibitor and the first small molecule FGFR inhibitor approved for advanced bladder cancer. Erdafitinib's prescribing information shows that it is indicated in pediatrics for the treatment of patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma with specific FGFR gene alterations who have received at least one prior platinum-containing regimen.

Erdafitinib binds with FGFR2 and FGFR3 receptors to inhibit FGF activity, leading to cell death. Erdafitinib is available in tablet form and the current recommended daily dose is 8 mg, with the dose increased to 9 mg after 14 to 21 days of treatment if tolerated. A phase 2 clinical trial showed that patients treated with erdafitinib experienced an average of 5.5 months of progression-free survival. Additionally, 40% of patients responded to erdafitinib treatment. Patients receiving erdafitinib should be specifically monitored for increased serum phosphate levels and changes in vision. Other side effects include anemia, thrombocytopenia, and electrolyte abnormalities.

The original version of erdafitinib has not yet been launched in China, so it cannot be covered by medical insurance. The original version of erdafitinib currently sold in Hong Kong may cost more than 20,000 yuan per box of specifications 4mg*14 tablets (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). Cheaper erdafitinib generic drugs produced by other pharmaceutical factories are also sold overseas. The pharmaceutical ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drug. For example, the price of 4mg*60 tablets produced by a Bangladeshi pharmaceutical factory may be more than 3,000 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).