The Russian Ministry of Health approved the country\'s first biosimilar of the drug cetuximab, known as "Arcetux." It is intended for the treatment of metastatic tumors of the head and neck, as well as metastatic colorectal cancer. The developer of the drug is the R-Pharm Group.
The original "Cetuximab" is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Blocking this receptor slows the development of tumor cells and prevents their metastasis.
The effectiveness and safety of the domestic "Arcetux" were confirmed in Phase II clinical trials. More than 250 patients with recurrent or metastatic tumors took part in them. The studies showed that the new biosimilar provides no less effectiveness than the original medicinal product. It is worth noting that the American drug "Cetuximab" is used for intravenous administration and may cost up to $30,000 for a course of treatment lasting eight weeks for one patient. The price of the domestic generic is not specified.
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