The price of a box of bimetinib/bemetinib targeted drugs

Binimetinib, as the world's leading MEK inhibitor targeted drug, has not yet been launched in mainland China. Therefore, it cannot be purchased directly in domestic hospitals or pharmacies, and it is not included in the national medical insurance directory. Its price information mainly comes from overseas markets. According to public channels, the original bimetinib is produced by Pfizer (formerly Array BioPharma). Common specifications include 15 mg × 84 tablets and 15 mg × 168 tablets. The price converted into RMB ranges from more than 10,000 to 20,000 yuan. The specific amount will change due to exchange rate fluctuations and regional tax rates. This price level is basically equivalent to similar MEK-targeted drugs such as trametinib.

In some overseas countries, in addition to the original drug, generic versions of bimetinib with the same chemical composition have also appeared. For example, the generic version of bimetinib produced by Lucius Pharmaceutical Factory in Laos has a common specification of 15 mg × 180 tablets. Each box sells for about 6,000 yuan. It is a relatively affordable version, and the ingredients and dosage design are consistent with the original drug. If patients purchase through cross-border channels, they should choose products from regular pharmaceutical companies with international drug regulatory certification or GMP certification.

Since bimetinib has not yet entered China's medical insurance catalog, if domestic patients obtain the drug through overseas pharmacies or third-party medical service platforms, the price usually includes international logistics and customs clearance costs. In comparison, the overall cost of overseas direct purchase channels is lower, and pharmacies in some countries provide doctors’ prescription review to ensure the safety of medication.

Judging from market trends, the price of bimetinib is still high globally, reflecting its research and development cost and efficacy value in the field of targeted tumor therapy. As more generic drugs come on the market, prices are expected to gradually decrease in the future. After bimetinib is officially approved for marketing in China and entered into the medical insurance catalog, its retail price is expected to be significantly reduced, and it will have a greater chance of benefiting domestic melanoma and lung cancer patients.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11967