The difference between Pomalidomide and Lenalidomide

The thalidomide analogues lenalidomide and pomalidomide are immunomodulatory drugs used to treat multiple myeloma (MM). Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that can cause severe birth defects or embryonic-fetal death. Because lenalidomide and pomalidomide are related to thalidomide, they have similar teratogenic side effects.

Multiple myeloma is rare and may cause complications including fatigue, anemia, and an inability to fight infections. Pomalidomide was initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 as an orphan drug for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. Its indications were expanded to include the treatment of MM in combination with dexamethasone. With the FDA's approval of the first generic pomalidomide product in 2020, pomalidomide is also available as a generic product. The FDA approves lenalidomide for the treatment of transfusion-dependent myelodysplastic syndrome.

Pomalidomide, independently developed in China, has been launched domestically and has now entered the scope of medical insurance. The price of domestically produced Pomalidomide may be around RMB 4,000 per box, while the Turkish version sold overseas may be priced around RMB 15,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is relatively expensive. There are also cheaper generic drugs produced in other countries overseas. The price of each box produced by a Lao pharmaceutical factory may be around a few hundred yuan (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The ingredients of foreign generic drugs, domestically produced drugs and foreign original drugs are basically the same. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.