2023-07-10 13:15:50
choice for patients? Strategies for occupying the first-line treatment market?
CEO Cho Wook-je “There is no purpose to attract patients… Proceed EAP with confidence”
Professor of Oncology “Not for companies or hospitals, only for patients”
Cho Wook-je, CEO of Yuhan Corporation ⓒUihyup Shinmun
Is Yuhan’s free supply of Lexraza a choice for patients? Is it a strategy to occupy the first-line treatment market?
Regarding Yuhan’s first-line treatment Early Access Program (EAP) decision for Lexraza (ingredient: Lazertinib), an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGRF) mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer treatment, it was emphasized that it was not for the purpose of attracting patients. and went out
Cho Wook-jae, CEO of Yuhan Corporation, officially announced the entry into EAP at a press conference commemorating the expansion of the first license for Lexraza on the 10th.
Rexraza is the 31st new drug produced in Korea. AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso (ingredient: osimertinib) is competing for first-line treatment benefits.
In the case of Tagrisso, it applied for reimbursement for the first treatment as early as 2020, but has not passed the benefit expansion gateway for the third year.
After receiving approval for the 2nd treatment within 3 months of application in 2019, Lexraza is undergoing a high-speed process until the approval for the expansion of the 1st treatment treatment in June.
In the midst of this, Lekraza declared EAP. EAP is a system that provides free treatment to patients until reimbursement is applied.
The pharmaceutical industry put weight on the analysis that Yuhan’s move was a marketing strategy to preoccupy the first-line treatment market. Tagrissoga’s drug costs about 70 million won a year. Among them, ‘free supply’ is an evaluation that it will solidify the position of the first-line treatment, which is important for initial market share.
As a result, some have raised opinions that it is a violation of the ‘Fair Competition Regulations’ in the act of attracting patients.
Regarding the Fair Competition Regulations, CEO Cho Wook-je said, “I was very concerned. We had discussions on whether or not we were going to induce customers.” I have the idea that I can proceed confidently.”
It was pointed out that patients recently expressed their demand for EGFR mutation third-generation lung cancer treatment through national petitions. It emphasized the fact that it has a strong social contribution character considering the needs and economic burden of these patients.
CEO Cho Wook-je said, “Patients have a lot of people waiting for insurance drug prices because they are burdened with considerable expenses of close to 100 million won a year. At the company level, we have been very interested in this part, and we feel sorry for it.” It also means,” he explained.
Kim Yeol-hong, CEO of Yuhan Corporation, said, “Even when Lexraza received approval for the second treatment, the EAP program was implemented and provided to patients.”
The EAP program can be conducted by clinicians through the institution’s Ethical Review Board (IRB). The patient fills out a consent form stating that he or she wants to administer the drug, and is briefed on the collection of clinical information or drug-related clinical trial information.
Cho Byeong-cheol, a professor at Yonsei Cancer Hospital (Department of Oncology), said, “As a front-line researcher and physician, EAP is a blessing for patients.” It is carried out by,” he said.
Regarding EAP, it was mentioned that front-line doctors and hospitals also have a lot of work loading, and it was emphasized again that it is only for the sake of patients.
Professor Cho Byung-cheol said, “There is a request from patients, and we can give them tremendous benefits. This has already been proven through data,” and “I don’t know where such a story (attracting patients) comes from, but it’s ridiculous. Feeling on the front line I think it is a must-have system,” he said.
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