How Much Does Osimertinib Cost?

Osimertinib is a medication used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly for patients with specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. It belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). For Emergency Drug pricing, the cost of Tagrix is $128 for the 40 mg variant and $250 for the 80 mg variant. Alternatively, other brands of osimertinib, namely Osicent and Osimert, are priced at $100 and $80 for the 80 mg dosage, respectively.

What is Osimertinib?

Osimertinib is a targeted therapy drug that has been developed for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a type of lung cancer. It is specifically designed to target tumors that have specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. EGFR mutations are common in NSCLC and play a role in the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.

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Use of Osimertinib

Osimertinib is a targeted therapy used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. The key aspects of its use include:

• EGFR Mutations: Osimertinib is indicated for NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations, where the cancer cells rely on EGFR signaling for growth.
• First-Line Treatment: It may be prescribed as a first-line treatment when EGFR mutations are identified initially.
• Second-Line Treatment: Commonly used as a second-line or subsequent treatment for NSCLC patients who develop resistance to other EGFR inhibitors or when specific mutations like T790M arise.
• T790M Mutation: Particularly effective against tumors with the T790M mutation, a secondary mutation often occurring after prior EGFR inhibitor treatments.

Mechanism of Action

Osimertinib’s mechanism of action involves its role as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and its specific targeting of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

• EGFR Inhibition: Osimertinib selectively inhibits the activity of mutated forms of the EGFR protein. EGFR is a receptor on the surface of cells that, when activated, triggers signaling pathways promoting cell growth and survival.
• EGFR Mutations: Osimertinib is particularly effective against NSCLC tumors with specific EGFR mutations, such as exon 19 deletions, L858R, and the T790M resistance mutation. EGFR mutations are common drivers in NSCLC, contributing to uncontrolled cell growth.
• T790M Mutation: Osimertinib’s specificity is notable in its ability to target the T790M mutation, which often emerges in NSCLC patients treated with other EGFR inhibitors and contributes to treatment resistance.
• Blockage of Signaling Pathways: By inhibiting EGFR, osimertinib disrupts the signaling cascades that promote cancer cell proliferation and survival.
• Reduction of Tumor Growth: The inhibition of EGFR by osimertinib results in the reduction of tumor growth and may lead to tumor shrinkage in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.