Is Necitumumab on the market?

Necitumumab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody produced by Eli Lilly and Company and is used as an anti-tumor drug. It binds the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Nexituzumab trade name Portrazza together with gemcitabine and cisplatin for the treatment of previously untreated metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is counterproductive in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

EGFR protein is expressed in most non-small cell lung cancers, especially in squamous cell carcinomas. Nexituzumab is a recombinant human immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 monoclonal antibody and an EGFR antagonist with potential anti-tumor activity. It works by binding to EGFR and blocking the binding of EGFR to its ligand, ultimately preventing receptor activation and dimerization. This process may inhibit EGFR-dependent downstream pathways, thereby blocking EGFR-dependent tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Based on in vitro studies, the binding activity of nexituzumab also leads to antibody-dependent cytotoxicity in cells expressing EGFR.

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 price of the German version of the 800mg/50ml generic drug of Nexituzumab available overseas may be more than RMB 10,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate), which is relatively expensive. Currently, there are no generic drugs of Nexituzumab on the market. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.