China Medical News

A new generic gefitinib drug (Chinese commercial name Yiruike) produced by China's Qilu Pharmaceutical will hit the market on February 19^th. Its release ends an almost decade-long monopoly by Iressa, developed by AstraZeneca and introduced to China in 2005.

Yiruike was approved for marketing by China's State Food and Drug Administration after Iressa's patent protection expired in April 2016, and is indicated as a first-line therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have the EGFR-TK mutation.

Qilu's general manager Li Yan said "Yiruike, at less than 2,000 Yuan a pack, is a fraction of the price of the previously available drug, meaning more people in need can be helped". Although the Chinese health authorities cut Iressa's monthly cost from 15,000 Yuan to 7,000 Yuan in 2016, the cost of Yiruike will be more affordable. (Source: Xinhua)