Is there any domestically produced version of Imatinib? Is it covered by medical insurance?

Imatinib (Imatinib) is a targeted therapy drug that is widely used to treat a variety of hematological and tumor diseases, especially chronic myeloid leukemia (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, CML) and some neurogenic tumors.

Imatinib was launched in China as early as 2003. The domestic medical insurance price is about 700 yuan. There are domestically produced drugs produced in China. The specification is 100mg*60. Due to the large differences in medical insurance in different places, please consult the local pharmacy or medical insurance bureau for specific prices. Foreign medicines are divided into original drugs and generic drugs. Original drugs are mainly Turkish original drugs, and the price is relatively high, about 3300 yuan; generic drugs are mainly Indian generic drugs, and the Indian generic drugs specifications 100mg*120 are priced at around a few hundred yuan, which is much cheaper than domestic ones. The ingredients of foreign original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same as those of domestic imatinib.

What is unique about this drug is its targeting, which inhibits the growth and spread of abnormal cells by interfering with the function of specific molecules or proteins. Imatinib was originally developed to treat CML. CML is a type of chronic myelogenous leukemia that is usually caused by abnormal production of an abnormal protein kinase (BCR-ABLkinase). Imatinib effectively controls the progression of CML by inhibiting the activity of BCR-ABL kinase.

In addition to CML, imatinib is also used to treat a type of tumor called gastrointestinal stromal tumors (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, GISTs), as well as some other neurogenic tumors. In these cases, imatinib also inhibits tumor growth by interfering with the function of specific proteins.

Although imatinib is generally considered a relatively safe drug, it may still cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, edema, muscle pain, and skin rash. The severity of side effects varies between individuals.