When was bimetinib/bemetinib launched in China?

Binimetinib is a MEK inhibitor mainly used to treat cancers related to BRAF mutations such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. As a targeted drug, bimetinib can effectively slow down the growth and spread of tumors by inhibiting the activity of MEK1/2 kinase. Especially when used in combination with Encorafenib, it can significantly improve the therapeutic effect. It is primarily targeted at those patients with the BRAF V600E or V600K mutation.

Although bimetinib has been marketed in many countries and regions, it has not yet been officially approved for marketing in China. The original drug bimetinib has not yet entered the Chinese market, nor has it been included in the national medical insurance directory. This makes it impossible for patients in China to purchase the drug directly through conventional channels. There has been no clear official statement regarding the launch date of the drug in China and future medical insurance coverage.

The drug approval and marketing process in the Chinese market is relatively strict and usually requires clinical trials and data review. As a targeted drug targeting specific genetic mutations, bimetinib may face a long approval cycle for its launch in China. In addition, the launch of drugs also involves the update and adjustment of the medical insurance catalog. Changes in the medical insurance catalog usually affect the sales of drugs and the payment burden of patients.

In other countries, bimetinib is mainly used in combination with encofenib to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma: when patients have BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, the combination treatment regimen has been proven to effectively improve the treatment effect and significantly improve the patient's survival and quality of life. For patients with metastatic NSCLC with BRAF V600E mutations, combined treatment with bimetinib and encofenib can significantly improve the success rate of treatment and extend progression-free survival.

Although bimetinib has been approved for use globally, China's market access procedures are complicated and the specific launch time is still uncertain. For patients in need, they may need to rely on imported medicines or other alternative treatments.

Keyword tags: bimetinib, bemetinib, Binimetinib, BRAF mutation, encofenib, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, targeted therapy, drug launch, China

Reference materials:https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/mektovi-epar-product-information_en.pdf