In the last decade, lung cancer has advanced significantly, offering new hope to patients. The discovery of Osimertinib and its benefit in treating lung cancer is an important step towards improving survival rates. Developed by AstraZeneca under the brand name Tagrisso, has been a game-changer in improving survival rates, but its high cost makes it inaccessible to many.
What is Tagrisso?
Tagrisso, containing the active ingredient Osimertinib, is a prescription drug commonly used to treat various Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations. It mainly targets Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Developed by AstraZeneca, this drug inhibits cancer cell proliferation by blocking signals that drive proliferation.
Uses of Tagrisso
- After surgery to remove a tumor
- When the cancer has metastasized from the lungs (as a first-line treatment)
- When cancer has not improved or returned even after being hit with a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI).
Why is the Cost of Tagrisso High?
Tagrisso's cost can vary based on factors such as your location, the pharmacy, and your insurance plan. However, 40mg of it generally retails for approximately $18,416 for 30 tablets.
One of the primary reasons for this high price is that Tagrisso is a brand-name drug. Brand-name medications are significantly more expensive because pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research, development, and clinical trials to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
However, generic versions contain the same active molecule and offer the same therapeutic benefits but are much more affordable since they do not require extensive clinical trials or research costs.
Generic Alternatives to Tagrisso
Let us discuss available medicines containing Osimertinib:
Tagrix:
Tagrix is manufactured by Beacon Pharmaceuticals Limited. It is a generic version of Osimertinib, which is a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It is specifically designed to target and bind selectively to certain EGFR mutations, including T790M, L858R, and exon 19 deletion. Tagrix binds to these mutations and slows or prevents the cancer from spreading.
- Recommended Dosage: 80mg per day
- Food Interactions: Can be taken with or without food
- Method of Administration: Oral tablets
- Components of the Tablet: Osimertinib
- Strength: 40mg and 80mg
Side effects of Tagrix include:
- Diarrhea
- Skin Rashes
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Mouth sores
Some serious side effects include:
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Heart Problems (QT Prolongation and Cardiomyopathy)
- Liver Problems
- Blood Clots
Osimert
Osimert, manufactured by Everest Pharmaceuticals, is a kinase inhibitor used to treat patients with metastatic Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) T790M mutations. This mutation often signifies that lung cancer has developed resistance to traditional TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).
- Method of Administration: Oral medication
- Components of the Tablet: Each tablet contains 95.4 mg of Osimertinib Mesylate
- Recommended Dosage: One tablet of 80 mg/day
- Food Interactions: Can be taken with or without food
- Strengths: 80mg
Listed below are common side effects of Osimert:
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pneumonitis/Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)
- Heart problems (QT Prolongation)
- Eye problems
- Low white blood cell count
- Fetal harm
Osicent
Osicent 80 mg is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI). It binds to cancerous cells and prevents them from sending signals to other cells. By inhibiting these signals, the medicine stops the cancer from spreading. Manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals, it is a third-generation TKI that targets the gatekeeper mutation T790 M.
- Recommended Dosage: 80 mg a day
- Method of Administration: Oral medication
- Components of the Tablet: Each tablet contains Osimertinib Mesylate
- Food Interactions: Take it with or without food
- Strengths: 80mg
Some side effects of Osicent include:
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Keratitis
- QTc Interval Prolongation
- Cardiomyopathy
Osikin
Osikin, a product of Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd, represents a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It selectively targets EGFR mutations and T790M resistance mutations. Similar to other generic Tagrisso alternatives, it works by inhibiting EGFR signalling pathways, which suppresses tumour growth in severe NSCLC cases.
- Recommended Dosage: 80 mg tablet per day
- Strengths: 80mg
- Food Interactions: Take it with or without food
- Components of the Tablet: Osimertinib Mesylate INN
- Method of Administration: Oral tablets
Adverse effects of Osikin are:
- Rashes
- Diarrhea
Symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Symptomatic Congestive Heart Failure
