Is it possible to purchase Apelvis-Piqray related drugs in Hainan?

Alpelisib(Alpelisib)-Piqray is an oral targeted anti-cancer drug developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis. It is mainly used to treat specific types of breast cancer. Its mechanism of action is to interfere with the growth and survival of tumor cells by selectively inhibiting the abnormal activation of the PI3Kα signaling pathway caused by PIK3CA gene mutations. The drug is particularly suitable for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with PIK3CA mutations. It is often used in combination with the endocrine therapy drug fulvestrant to improve treatment response rates and prolong disease control time.

With the popularization of the concept of molecular targeted therapy, Apelvis has been included in multinational cancer treatment guidelines and has been approved byFDA and EMA for the treatment of PIK3CA mutated breast cancer patients who have previously received endocrine therapy. Since PIK3CA mutations account for nearly 40% of HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients, this drug provides a new treatment path for a considerable number of patients.

Regarding the supply situation in China, Apelvis has not yet been officially launched in mainland China, and therefore has not been included in the medical insurance catalog or conventional medical channels. However, in the Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone in Hainan, due to the policy advantage of franchising the introduction of new drugs that have been marketed abroad, some innovative drugs that have not been approved domestically but have been marketed abroad can be temporarily used through the "licensed drug and device" policy. Therefore, patients can theoretically obtain Apelvis drugs through some designated medical institutions in Lecheng, Hainan. However, this channel requires a doctor’s prescription, submission of medical condition information, compliance with relevant application conditions, and medication in a registered medical institution in Lecheng, and cannot be taken away from the scope of use at will.

It should be noted that although this method is legal, the procedure is complicated, and the drug price, usage period and regulatory requirements are strict. It is recommended that patients make a comprehensive evaluation under the guidance of a doctor.

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