How much does the European version of Zotuximab cost? Is there any difference in price or treatment effect between the European version and the domestic version?

Zolbetuximab (Zolbetuximab) is a targeted monoclonal antibody drug for gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. It is currently on the market in China. However, due to its short time on the market, its specific market price is not yet clear, and it is not yet included in medical insurance. Therefore, when patients purchase this drug in the country, they need to consult the hospital or pharmacy for the latest price. Since medical insurance has not yet covered it, the out-of-pocket cost of the drug may be high, so some patients may consider overseas drug purchase channels, such as the European or Japanese versions of zotuximab.

The price of the European version of zotuximab is higher, and each box of 100mg may cost more than 7,000 yuan. The price is still at a relatively high level compared to other targeted tumor treatment drugs, mainly because zotuximab is a new type of targeted monoclonal antibody, with less market competition and higher production costs and R&D investment. In the European market, the supply of zotuximab is relatively stable, and patients can obtain the drug through regular hospitals, pharmacies or cross-border drug purchase services. However, due to the higher price, some patients may still be unable to afford long-term treatment.

In terms of therapeutic effect, there is no significant difference between the European version and the domestic version of zotuximab. Both are original drugs with the same ingredients, mechanism of action and efficacy. Zotuximab mainly targets CLDN18.2 (occludin -18.2) and inhibits tumor growth by blocking cancer cell signaling. Whether it is the domestic version or the European version, the clinical data and application methods of the drug are basically the same, so patients can choose the appropriate version for treatment based on their economic status and drug accessibility.

At present, there are no generic drugs of zotuximab on the market, which means that whether in China or Europe, patients can only buy the original drug, which is relatively expensive. If generic drugs are launched in the future, the cost of treatment may be significantly reduced, benefiting more patients. Prior to this, if patients consider purchasing drugs, it is recommended that they obtain them through formal channels to ensure the quality of the drugs, and use them rationally under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safety and efficacy.

Reference materials:https://www.astellas.com/en/news/29401