Which generation of targeted drug is Erlotinib?

Erlotinib (Erlotinib) is a targeted drug and belongs to the first generation of targeted drugs. Targeted drugs are a class of drugs that target specific molecules or pathways in tumor cells to interfere with their growth and spread, thus playing a role in cancer treatment. Erlotinib is mainly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its mechanism of action is related to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway.

EGFR is a membrane receptor involved in regulating cell growth, differentiation and survival. In some tumors, the EGFR pathway may be overactivated, leading to abnormal cell proliferation. Erlotinib blocks the signal transmission of this pathway by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR, thereby inhibiting the growth of tumor cells.

As the first generation of targeted drugs, erlotinib has played a pioneering role in the field of cancer treatment. However, with the advancement of science and the in-depth understanding of tumor molecular mechanisms, the first generation of targeted drugs has some limitations, such as the development of drug resistance and adverse reactions. This has prompted scientists to continuously explore and develop more advanced targeted drugs.

Erlotinib has been launched in China and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. The domestic price ranges from about 700 to 1,000. The specification is 150mg*7 tablets. Due to different medical insurance policies in different places, the price is also different. Please consult the local pharmacy or medical insurance bureau for details. Erlotinib abroad is mainly an Indian generic drug with a price of about 900 yuan. The specifications are divided into 100mg*30 tablets and 150mg*30 tablets, which is about four times the domestic specification, but the price is similar to that in China.