Is Palbociclib covered by medical insurance?

Palbociclib (Palbociclib) is a targeted or biological therapeutic drug. The original drug has been marketed in China and has entered the scope of Class B medical insurance. However, reimbursement is limited to patients who meet the indications, that is, hormone receptor (HR) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Patients who do not meet the conditions can only purchase it at their own expense.

When used to treat breast cancer, palbociclib is taken with hormone (endocrine) therapy. Palbociclib is the generic name for this drug, and its trade name is Ibrance. It is available in capsules and tablets (75 mg, 100 mg, and 125 mg). Palbociclib belongs to a group of drugs called CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitors. In some cancers, including HR-positive breast cancer, the activity of CDKs 4 and 6 is increased, which helps cancer cells multiply uncontrollably. Palbociclibblocks the growth and spread of cancer by blocking the action of the kinase.

The price of each box of domestic palbociclib original medicine may be more than 4,000 yuan. The price of palbociclib's original drug, 125mg*21 capsules, per box sold overseas may be more than RMB 10,000 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). There are also generic palbociclib drugs produced in other countries. The price of 125mg*21 tablets produced by a Bangladeshi pharmaceutical factory may be around a few hundred yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The price is cheaper. The pharmaceutical ingredients of generic drugs are basically the same as those of domestic and foreign original drugs.