Erdafitinib is a targeted drug of several generations

Erdafitinib (Erdafitinib) is a potent and selective panFGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. According to the results of the phase 2 BLC2001 trial, erdafitinib showed an overall efficacy rate of 40% in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) using FGFR3 mut/fus. It is the first targeted therapy approved for metastatic urothelial carcinoma and the first targeted therapy approved for mUC.

Since the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), there have been continued and significant advances in the treatment of urothelial cancer. However, only about one-fifth of patients with urothelial cancer respond to ICIs. Recently, erdafitinib was developed to treat locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma with FGFR3 or FGFR2 alterations (mUC), which accounts for 15-20% of patients. It is unclear whether FGFR inhibitors are the preferred second-line treatment option for ICI. Compared with ICI, Erdafitinib has a better response rate in patients with visceral metastasis. However, the shorter duration of response and toxicity profile of erdafitinib, particularly ocular toxicity, is an important consideration. The FDA recommends regular eye exams. Tumor profiling during upfront treatment may help identify those patients who benefit at progression.

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