Can Rubicatin/Rubitidine be used in China? Directions for use and precautions for domestic patients

Lurbinectedin is a targeted anti-cancer drug mainly used to treat small cell lung cancer (SCLC), especially in patients who have failed chemotherapy or are unable to tolerate other treatment options. Rubicatin's unique mechanism of action makes it an effective treatment option for patients whose disease has relapsed after conventional chemotherapy. It inhibits the transcription process of tumor cells by binding toDNA, thereby preventing the proliferation and spread of tumor cells. Therefore, rubicatin has important clinical value in the treatment of advanced small cell lung cancer.

Currently, Rubicatin has been approved for clinical treatment in many countries and regions. In the United States and Europe, the application of rubicatin has been approved and used as a new option for the treatment of small cell lung cancer. Fortunately, in December 2024, the approval and marketing of rubicatin in China has been completed. The China National Medical Products Administration has approved the marketing of this drug and will sell it under the name of rubitin for injection (ZEPZELCA). However, due to the short time for marketing approval, domestic patients cannot directly obtain the drug through formal channels. Nonetheless, some patients may obtain rubicatin through overseas purchasing agents or clinical trials. Especially in the Hong Kong market, the original drug of Rubicatin is already on the market, and patients can obtain it through personal purchase. Taking Hong Kong as an example, A box of 4mg Rubicatin original drug is priced at more than RMB 20,000 (exchange rate fluctuations may affect the price). However, due to the high price and the need to obtain it through special channels, patients need to choose carefully.

In addition, the market price of Ruby Cardin in the United States is relatively high, with the price per box reaching more than more than 90,000 yuan, while the price in the Singapore market is relatively reasonable, about more than 30,000 yuan. Despite price fluctuations, rubicatin's efficacy is still considered to be cost-effective compared with other anti-cancer drugs. It can effectively delay the progression of small cell lung cancer and improve patients' quality of life, especially when other treatments have failed. Rubicatin provides new hope for patients.

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