Is Necitumumab a chemotherapy drug?

Necitumumab is an anticancer drug that is a recombinant human monoclonal IgG1 antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. It is used in combination with chemotherapy drugs, most commonly gemcitabine and cisplatin, and is an anti-angiogenic agent used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Nexituzumabis not associated with increased serum enzymes or specific acute liver injury during treatment. Binding of EGF to its receptor results in the activation of cellular pathways that promote cell growth and angiogenesis.

EGF receptors are often overexpressed in cancer cells, particularly squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Inhibiting EGF receptor signaling reduces cell growth and proliferation and reduces the formation of new blood vessels, which play an important role in the growth and spread of cancer cells. When used in combination with other antineoplastic drugs, nexituzumab has been shown to extend recurrence-free survival in several advanced cancers. Nexituzumab was approved in the United States in 2015 for the treatment of metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer as part of a combination treatment with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Nexituzumab is available in disposable vials with a capacity of 800mg/50mL (16mg/mL) under the trade name Portrazza. The typical dose is 800 mg administered intravenously over at least 60 minutes on days 1 and 8 of each 3-week cycle.

The generic drug of Nexituzumab has not yet been approved for marketing in China, and therefore it has not been included in medical insurance. The German version of the generic version of Nexituzumab available overseas800mg/50ml may cost more than RMB 10,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate), which is relatively expensive. Currently, there is no generic version of Nexituzumab on the market. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.