Crizotinib price decline and interpretation of market reference information

Crizotinib (Crizotinib), as an important targeted drug for ALK-positive and ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, has been marketed in China and has been included in medical insurance, providing patients with some relief from the financial burden. Domestic original drug specifications include 250mg 60 capsules and 200mg 60 capsules. The price of each box may exceed 10,000 yuan, but after medical insurance reimbursement, the patient's out-of-pocket payment ratio will be significantly reduced. The medical insurance policies of different regions and hospitals are slightly different, and the specific payment amount needs to be determined by the local hospital pharmacy, which also keeps the cost of clinical medication within a controllable range.

In recent years, the domestic price of crizotinib has declined to a certain extent, mainly affected by medical insurance negotiations and centralized procurement policies. The inclusion of medical insurance and quantitative procurement allow pharmaceutical companies to make price concessions, and at the same time expand the number of drug users, forming a market mechanism of "increase in quantity and decrease in price". For patients, drug price reductions mean a reduction in the burden of long-term treatment. It also improves the accessibility of original drugs in multi-line treatment and long-term maintenance medication, allowing more patients to continue to benefit.

In overseas markets, the price of crizotinib’s original drug is still relatively high, and the price per box may also exceed RMB 10,000. The price fluctuates significantly due to exchange rate fluctuations. This is still a significant expense for patients who require long-term treatment, so some countries or regions are promoting the listing of local generic drugs to reduce overall medical costs. The high prices of overseas original drugs also provide a reference for domestic medical insurance negotiations and drug price reductions, allowing domestic patients to enjoy lower-priced treatment options.

It is worth noting that a variety of crizotinib generic drugs have been launched overseas, and the prices are significantly lower than the original drugs. For example, the price of 250mg*60 tablets produced by Lucius Pharmaceuticals in Laos is only about 1,000 yuan per box, and the drug ingredients are basically the same as those of the original research. Although the price is more affordable, you still need to pay attention to quality and legality when choosing. Taken together, the price of domestic original drugs has dropped with the support of medical insurance, and the existence of overseas generic drugs has also provided patients with more economically feasible options, helping to optimize treatment strategies and long-term medication management.

Reference:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crizotinib