The difference between domestic and imported Apremilast tablets

Apremilast/Apremilast, as an oral non-biological immune-modulating drug, has been widely used to treat a variety of immune-related diseases. Its main indications include moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PSA). The main mechanism of action of this drug is to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory factors by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), regulate the immune response in the body, and thereby improve the inflammation of the skin or joints. Especially for patients who are not suitable or unwilling to receive injectable biologics, apremilast provides an oral treatment option with relatively mild side effects.

Currently, the original version of Apremilast has been introduced into the Chinese market, and multiple domestic generic versions have been approved for marketing. Imported drugs are usually produced by original research companies such as PATHEON Company. They have high quality standards, stable data, and relatively high prices. Domestic generic drugs, such as those produced by leading domestic pharmaceutical companies, have price advantages and their ingredients are basically the same as those of the original research. However, data on long-term large-sample clinical practice are still in the accumulation stage.

In terms of the ingredients of the drug, both the domestic and imported versions contain the active ingredient of Apremilast, and their dosage and specifications are basically the same, usually 30mg tablets, but there may be slight differences in excipients, dissolution and tablet technology. When choosing, in addition to price factors, domestic patients should also pay attention to the source channels, production batch numbers, packaging labels, etc. of drugs to avoid mistakenly purchasing uncertified products. In addition, there may be differences in medical insurance coverage and reimbursement ratios between original drugs and generic drugs. In some areas, only generic drugs may be included in medical insurance. This needs to be confirmed by consulting local medical institutions or pharmacists.

In general, apremilast, as a mature oral immunomodulator, whether original research or imitation, can exert good efficacy when used rationally. The key is to purchase from regular channels, insist on using it for a sufficient course of treatment, and evaluate the treatment progress under the guidance of a doctor.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB05676