Which company is developing and producing Erdafitinib and its global launch status?

Erdafitinib is an oral targeted drug developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It is mainly used to treat patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have FGFR gene mutations or fusions. The drug achieves anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway and blocking tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. As one of the first approved FGFR inhibitors in the world, the development and marketing of erdafitinib marks the entry into the era of precision targeting in the treatment of urothelial cancer.

In the global market, erdafitinib has been approved for marketing by regulatory agencies in many countries including the United StatesFDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The specifications listed in the United States are mainly 0.5 mg, 4 mg and 9 mg tablets, which are suitable for adult patients with FGFR mutations or fusions confirmed by genetic testing. Original drugs are also available in the European market at relatively high prices, mainly for patients with advanced or refractory urothelial cancer to ensure the effect of precise targeted therapy.

In China, erdafitinib has been officially launched, but it has not yet been included in medical insurance. It is difficult for patients to purchase it directly in China. Currently, the supply in domestic pharmacies is limited, and patients can obtain the drug through overseas channels. The original drugs on the overseas market are mainly the Hong Kong version. The price per box is as high as more than 20,000 yuan, and they need to be purchased through legal Hong Kong pharmacies. Due to the higher prices of original drugs, some patients will choose overseas generic drugs to reduce treatment costs.

Overseas generic drugs mainly come from Laos and Bangladesh Yaopin International. The prices range from a few hundred yuan to more than 2,000 yuan. The ingredients of the drugs are basically the same as the original drugs. When choosing generic drugs, patients should make sure they come from regular sources and use them under the guidance of professional doctors to ensure drug safety and efficacy. At the same time, liver and kidney function, blood pressure and electrolyte levels need to be monitored regularly during use to prevent potential adverse reactions and maximize the therapeutic effect of erdafitinib.

Keyword tag:

Erdafitinib, FGFR inhibitor, urothelial cancer, domestic purchase, accessibility, price, medical insurance, generic drugs, original drugs, overseas drug purchase

Reference materials:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32935605/