Cyramza (ramucirumab) was first prescribed on November 6, 2022, at the Zhongshan Hospital in Shanghai and Beijing Cancer Hospital, marking a new treatment option for second-line advanced gastric cancer patients in China. This milestone follows the drug’s market approval in March 2022 for treating second-line advanced metastatic gastric cancer in combination with paclitaxel.
Market Approval and Commercialization
Cyramza, developed by Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), received approval in China in March 2022. Eli Lilly granted Innovent Biologics Inc. (HKG: 1801) the rights to import, sell, promote, and distribute the drug in China. Last month, Cyramza was also approved in China for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 400 ng/mL who have previously been treated with sorafenib.
Commercial Insurance Coverage
Innovent is actively expanding the commercial insurance coverage of Cyramza in China. As of now, 27 HuiMinBao programs from 23 cities across 14 provinces have included the anti-tumor drug. This move aims to enhance patient access to the treatment and further solidify Cyramza’s position in the Chinese market.-Fineline Info & Tech
