When was the earliest time when Crizotinib was launched in the country?

Crizotinib is a targeted drug for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is the world's first targeted therapy drug approved for the treatment of lung cancer with ALK gene rearrangement. Crizotinib was officially approved for marketing in China in 2013, becoming one of the first domestic drugs for molecularly targeted treatment of lung cancer. Its launch marks a key step in the field of precision treatment of lung cancer in my country, bringing new treatment hope to many patients with ALK-positive lung cancer.

At present, crizotinib has been included in China’s medical insurance catalog and can be purchased through formal channels in domestic hospitals. This drug is available in two common specifications in China, namely 250 mg 60 pills and 200 mg 60 pills. The market price of each box is usually more than 10,000 yuan. However, with the support of medical insurance policies, the patient's out-of-pocket payment will be reduced. The specific price depends on the local medical insurance reimbursement ratio. It is recommended that patients go to the pharmacy of the hospital where they are treated for detailed consultation.

In the international market, the price of the original drug of crizotinib is also high, especially in countries such as Europe and the United States. The price of each box of 250mg*60 tablets may also exceed RMB 10,000, and will fluctuate with exchange rate changes. Therefore, for patients who take medicine for a long time, the financial burden still cannot be underestimated. Especially in areas not covered by medical insurance, the cost pressure is more obvious.
In order to solve the financial burden of medication, many patients will also pay attention to the choice of overseas generic drugs. For example, the generic version of crizotinib produced by Lucius Pharmaceuticals in Laos has a specification of 250mg*60 tablets. Each box sells for about more than 1,000 yuan, which is only about one-tenth of the price of the original drug. Although the price is low, the generic drug is basically the same as the original drug in terms of ingredients and efficacy, and has been used as an alternative treatment by some patients. However, to ensure the safety of medication, patients should still use it rationally under the guidance of a doctor and obtain medicines through formal channels.
Reference: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB08865