The role and efficacy of selumetinib

Selumetinib is a drug used to treat plexiform neurofibromas, which are benign (noncancerous) tumors along nerves that occur when children older than 3 years with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop symptoms and cannot be removed with surgery. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is rare, and selumetinib has been designated as an "orphan drug" (a drug for a rare disease).

The active substance in selumetinibselumetinib blocks the enzymes MEK1 and MEK 2 (MEK1/2) that stimulate cell growth. MEK1/2 is overactive in neurofibromatosis type 1, allowing tumor cells to grow uncontrollably. By blocking these enzymes, selumetinib helps slow the growth of tumor cells. A major study found that selumetinib was effective in treating plexiform neurofibromas in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 by reducing the size of these tumors. In the study, 33 (66 percent) of 50 children ages 3 and older with neurofibromas type 1 and plexiform neurofibromas that could not be removed by surgery had at least a 20 percent reduction in tumor size. Selumetinib was not compared with any other drug in this study.

SelumetinibThe original drug has been launched in China, but it has not yet entered the scope of medical insurance. SpecificationThe price of 10mg*60 tablets per box may be more than 20,000 yuan, which is relatively expensive. Selumetiniboriginal drug marketed overseas, specifications10mg*60 capsules per box may cost more than RMB 50,000 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). The ingredients of the original selumetinib sold domestically and abroad are basically the same. There is currently no generic version of selumetinib produced and marketed. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult the medical consultant of Yaode.