What is Necitumumab?

Necitumumab is an intravenously injected recombinant monoclonal IgG1 antibody used as an EGFR antagonist for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It acts by binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and preventing the binding of its ligands, a process involved in cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and malignant progression.

Binding of nexituzumab to EGFR induces receptor internalization and degradation, thereby preventing further activation of EGFR, which is beneficial in non-small cell lung cancer because many patients have increased EGFR protein expression. Nexituzumab is approved for use in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as a first-line treatment for metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis of patient serum concentration data from clinical studies of nesituzumab, nesituzumab exhibits dose-dependent kinetics. After administration of nesituzumab 800 mg on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle, the estimated mean total systemic clearance at steady state was 14.1 mL/h, the steady-state volume of distribution was 7.0 L, and the elimination half-life was approximately 14 days. The estimated time to reach steady state is approximately 100 days.

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.