Can pemetinib/pemetinib be purchased in domestic tertiary hospitals?

Pemigatinib is a novel, selective fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor developed for the treatment of patients with cholangiocarcinoma who harbor FGFR2 gene fusion or rearrangement mutations. As an oral small molecule targeted drug, it is mainly targeted at locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, especially for patients whose disease has progressed despite previous treatment. The drug has been approved in European and American countries in recent years and quickly launched in China, filling the clinical gap in precision treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. Its mechanism is based on blocking the FGFR2 signaling pathway, thereby effectively inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and tumor-related angiogenesis, which makes it show good therapeutic potential in patients with specific molecular subtypes.

Regarding the accessibility in China, pemetinib has been officially approved for marketing by the State Food and Drug Administration, but it has not yet been included in the national medical insurance directory, so the cost still needs to be borne by the patient. However, tertiary hospitals in first-tier cities and some provincial capital cities have begun to equip the drug or provide it to patients through special application channels. Some cancer centers or hepatobiliary specialty hospitals, especially medical institutions that carry out clinical research or personalized cancer treatment projects, are more likely to have stocks of the drug, or cooperate with pharmaceutical companies to provide charity aid drugs.

It is important to note that pemetinib is not suitable for all patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Before use, professional molecular pathology testing must be performed to confirm whether the patient carriesFGFR2 gene fusion mutation. Even in tertiary hospitals, the decision whether to prescribe the drug must be based on the test results. In addition, doctors need to consider the patient's condition, liver and kidney function, medication risk assessment and other factors to determine whether the patient is suitable for long-term oral treatment. Since this drug may cause adverse reactions such as hyperphosphatemia and eye discomfort, regular monitoring and individualized adjustments are required during use.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB15102