Which generation of targeted drug is Gefitinib?

Gefitinib (Gefitinib) is a targeted tumor therapy drug. As an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, it is widely used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is classified as a first-generation targeted drug and is one of the important innovations in the field of tumor treatment.

The first-generation targeted drugs are early-stage tumor treatment strategies designed to interfere with the specific growth signaling pathways of cancer cells, thereby slowing or preventing the growth and spread of tumors. Gefitinib is one of the representatives of this class of drugs. It targets the EGFR receptor on cancer cells and blocks the receptor's tyrosine kinase activity, thereby inhibiting intracellular signaling pathways, reducing cell division, proliferation and survival, ultimately leading to the cessation of tumor growth or even death.

Gefitinib was initially introduced as a treatment option for NSCLC patients. EGFR is a cell surface receptor involved in regulating cell growth, division and survival. In some NSCLC patients, EGFR gene mutations lead to overactivation of the receptor, promoting tumor development. The mechanism of action of gefitinib is by inhibiting this abnormal EGFR activity, thereby inhibiting tumor cells, thereby effectively slowing down the growth process of tumors.

Gefitinib was developed by AstraZeneca in the United Kingdom. It was launched in China in 2005. At that time, the price of a box was about 5,000 yuan. Enter medical insurance in China in 2017. The price after medical insurance has dropped a lot. For the specific price after medical insurance, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or the medical insurance bureau. Other versions include original drugs and cost-effective generic drugs. The generic drugs include generic drugs from India, Bangladesh and Laos. The prices vary with different specifications, about 200~800 yuan, and the ingredients of generic drugs are basically the same as domestic drugs.