Detailed explanation of whether Cemiplimab has been included in the medical insurance directory

Cemiplimab is a PD-1 monoclonal antibody drug mainly used to treat various tumor types such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and cervical cancer. As an immune checkpoint inhibitor, it activates T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses by blocking the binding of PD-1 receptors to ligands. In overseas clinical practice, cimepilimab has shown good efficacy and has been approved by the US FDA and European EMA for the treatment of patients with various cancers, especially in locally advanced or metastatic lesions.

However, cimipilimab has not yet been officially launched in mainland China, nor has it been included in the national medical insurance directory. This means that domestic patients cannot reimburse drug costs through medical insurance and can only rely on commercial imports or overseas drug purchase channels to obtain the right to use the drug. This has a high threshold for use for some patients with limited economic conditions, and also limits its popularity in domestic cancer treatment. In the future, whether it will be included in medical insurance will still depend on its domestic listing process and the outcome of price negotiations with the National Medical Insurance Administration.

From a price point of view, cimepilimab is already available in overseas markets, including the US version and the European version of the original drug. The common specification is 350mg/7mL (i.e. 50mg/mL concentration). Each box is priced between RMB 40,000 and RMB 100,000. The specific price will fluctuate depending on the purchase channel, exchange rate changes, etc. Currently, there are no generic versions of this drug on the market. Therefore, if patients need medication, they can only choose expensive original products, which increases the burden of medication. In addition, since there is no legally marketed version in China, if patients need to use it, it is recommended to use formal overseas medical service institutions to ensure reliable sources of drugs.
In general, cimepilimab has rich experience in overseas treatment and clear efficacy, but its development in the Chinese market is still in its infancy. It is not on the market and not included in medical insurance, which makes it difficult for domestic patients to use this drug. In the future, as more clinical data accumulates and approval progresses, cimepilimab is expected to enter the Chinese market and gradually be included in medical insurance, thereby bringing substantial treatment options and alleviating the economic burden to more cancer patients. It is recommended that patients consult professional oncology doctors or international drug service platforms to obtain professional opinions and personalized treatment plans before choosing medication.
Reference: https://www.libtayohcp.com/