Is Erdafitinib currently officially on the market in China and its clinical use status

Erdafitinib, as an oral targeted drug targeting FGFR gene changes, has been officially approved for marketing in China in recent years for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer carrying FGFR2 or FGFR3 gene changes. Since it is a new drug that has just entered the domestic market, clinical departments have gradually built up experience in its use, mainly in urological oncology and comprehensive oncology centers. Doctors usually consider using this drug only after genetic testing confirms that there are corresponding FGFR changes, giving it a clear positioning in the field of precision treatment.

However, erdafitinib is not currently included in the national medical insurance, resulting in a high financial burden and limited availability to patients in actual use. In addition, it has not been on the market for a long time, and many hospital pharmacies have not yet stocked it on a large scale. Even if some patients are already eligible for medication, they may need to wait for channel supply or apply through designated hospitals. Under such circumstances, it is still difficult to purchase erdafitinib directly in China, and the frequency of clinical prescribing is also affected.

Due to accessibility, some patients will choose foreign channels to obtain erdafitinib. The most common drug in overseas markets is the Hong Kong version of the original drug. Due to its mature supply system and consistent quality, it is used by many patients as an alternative source. However, the price is higher, and each box often costs more than 20,000 yuan. It is usually purchased through Hong Kong pharmacies. In addition, generic versions have also appeared in some countries. The drug ingredients are basically the same as those of the original research, but the regulatory system and production process need to be evaluated by patients themselves.

The prices of foreign generic drugs are relatively more attractive, among which the Lao version and the Bangladeshi Yaopin International version are more common, and the cost ranges from a few hundred yuan to more than 2,000 yuan, providing certain options for patients with greater financial pressure. Although generic drugs are more affordable, clinicians usually prefer to recommend original drugs to ensure stability and quality control. Therefore, for patients who require long-term treatment, it is still recommended to conduct channel selection and treatment planning under the guidance of doctors to make the actual use of erdafitinib safer and more standardized in China.

Keyword tag:

Erdafitinib, domestically marketed, clinical use status, genetic testing, medical insurance, accessibility, drug purchase channels, Hong Kong version, generic drugs

References:https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/erdafitinib