Whether cobimetinib (cobimetinib) has officially entered the Chinese market and the progress of registration approval

Cobimetinib (trade name: Cobimetinib) is an oral MEK inhibitor, mainly used to treat BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced melanoma. It is often used in combination with BRAF inhibitors to improve efficacy. According to the latest information, the original drug cobimetinib has not yet been officially launched in China, so domestic patients are temporarily unable to purchase it directly through hospital pharmacies or be included in the medical insurance reimbursement system.

In overseas markets, the price of cobimetinib’s original drug varies greatly depending on the region. For example, the price per box of 20mg*63 in the Turkish market is about more than 10,000 yuan, and the price per box of the same specification in the European market is about more than 40,000 yuan (affected by exchange rate fluctuations). At present, generic drugs have also appeared overseas. For example, generic drugs of the same specifications produced by Laos pharmaceutical factories cost about more than 3,000 yuan per box. The ingredients of the drugs are basically the same as the original drugs, providing patients with a more economical choice.

Regarding domestic registration and approval progress, the registration of cobimetinib is still in progress and has not yet been approved for marketing by the National Food and Drug Administration (NMPA). According to the clinical trial application information, some multi-center clinical studies of this drug have been carried out in China, mainly targeting patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced melanoma, aiming to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. The drug's launch time still needs to wait for the approval results and confirmation of clinical trial data.

Generally speaking, cobimetinib has not yet been launched in the domestic market, and patients cannot directly obtain the original drug for the time being. However, they can learn about the drug through overseas channels or participate in relevant clinical trials. In the future, with the completion of registration approval, original drugs are expected to enter the domestic market. At that time, medical insurance policies, prices and drug purchase channels will be clearer, providing domestic patients with new targeted treatment options. At the same time, overseas generic drugs provide patients with relatively low-cost alternatives, and clinical application still needs to be carried out under the guidance of professional doctors.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/